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PLAYS BY 
GEORGE MIDDLETON 

UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME 

NOWADAYS. 

A Three- Act Contemporaneous Comedy. $1.00 net 

THE ROAD TOGETHER. 

A Four-Act Contemporaneous Drama. $1.00 net 

EMBERS and Other One-Act Plays 

Including The Failures, The Gargoyle, In His 
House, Madonna, The Man Masterful. $1.35 net 

TRADITION and Other One-Act Plays 

Including On Bail, Their Wife, Waiting, The 
Cheat of Pity, Mothers. $1.35 net 

POSSESSION and Other One-Act Plays 

Including The Groove, A Good Woman, The 
Black Tie, Circles, The Unborn. $1.35 net 

CRIMINALS. A One-Act Play. 

( Published by B. W. Huebsch, N. Y. $.50 net ) 

(For critical comments see back pages of 
this volume) 

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 
Publishers New York 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 



A CONTEMPORANEOUS DRAMA 
IN FOUR ACTS 



BY 

GEORGE MIDDLETON 




NEW YORK 
HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 
1916 



*.< 



1 ■ < \to 



\^ v 



Copyright 1915, igi6 

BY 

GEORGE MIDDLETON 

Copyright in Great Britain and Ireland, and in all countries 
subscribing to the Bern Convention. 

Published September, 1916 



SPECIAL NOTICE 

This play in its printed form is designed for the reading 
public only. All dramatic rights in it are fully protected by 
copyright, both in the United States and in Great Britain, and no 
public or private performance — professional or amateur — may 
be given without the written permission of the author and the 
payment of royalty. As the courts have also ruled that the 
public reading of a play, for pay or where tickets are sold, 
constitutes a " performance," no such reading may be given 
except under conditions as above stated. Any one disregarding 
the author's rights renders himself liable to prosecution. Com- 
munications should be sent to the author, care of Henry Holt 
and Co., 34 West 33d St., New York City. 




THE QUINN 4 BODEN CO. PRESS 
RAHWAY, N, I 



•CI.A437952 



Co 

SCUDDER AND LUCILE 
Who have just started on the road together 



PREFACE 

The spiritual level which any marriage achieves 
depends largely upon the quality of those who make it. 
Whatever its social import, of which few are delib- 
erately conscious, it is essentially an affair of indi- 
viduals. As they are and as they react to each other, 
so will the marriage be. Since it is only in marriage 
that society offers free and complete expression between 
them, it is there that the individual man and woman are 
most tested, most realized, and most offended. 

If one considers the strangeness of sex — with its 
vagrancy and variation — and the tremulous psychic in- 
heritances which uncontrollably veer our acts and emo- 
tions, one can only have deep charity when marriage 
ends in disillusion, and infinite wonder when it reaches 
rich fulfilment. Yet marriage endures somehow be- 
tween these two extremes. Its bonds are obvious when 
based upon religious conviction, the responsibilities of 
children, the fear of admitting failure, and the pres- 
sure of convention. But the subtle and powerful bond, 
I believe, is that which is made by the daily habit of 
living together. 

It is, in some way, to picture the strength of this 
latter bond when opposed to the vagrant claim of sex, 
that this present study of a group of individuals is 
dedicated. The resolution they attain is neither better 
nor worse than lies within their individual capacities 



viii PREFACE 

and limitations. I am not concerned with any criticism 
of what that spiritual level may be. My object is to 
interpret their characters and the manner in which they 
finally realize themselves through the revelation of 
their self-deceptions under the contingencies of circum- 
stance. G. M. 
June I, 1916. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 



THE PEOPLE CONCERNED 

Wallace Kent, the District Attorney. 

Dora, his wife. 

Julia Deering, a novelist. 

Tom Porter, a retired banker, their intimate friend. 

Fred Safford, formerly cashier in Porter s bank. 

Armor Deering, Julia's brother; Kent's assistant. 

George Gilmore, a Wall Street operator. 

Woods, a butler at the Rents'. 

Maid, for Julia. 

A Waitress and two men — Biddle and Tainter, 
friends of Gilmore — in Act I. (These three have 
no dialogue.) 



SCENES 

The First Act 
At the Kents'. Early afternoon. 

The Second Act 
The same. Late the next afternoon. 

The Third Act 
Julia Deering's Study. The same evening. 

The Fourth Act 
At the Kents'. Morning, ten days later. 

The action of the play takes place, at present, in a 
large Eastern city. 



THE FIRST ACT 



THE FIRST ACT* 

The scene is a sort of informal reception room at the 
Kents'. Its furnishings are few but fine, intimating 
quiet extravagance. The general tone is soft green 
with a subtle suggestion that the room has been lived 
in a long while. There are folding-doors in back, 
which, when open, disclose the dining-room beyond. 
A small door in the left, at back, opens out on the hall, 
which apparently leads to the library beyond. The 
general entrance for callers, opening on this same hall, 
is down stage. Directly opposite this, on the right, is 
a deep bay-window daintily curtained. A grand piano, 
with its key-board towards the window, rests in the 
alcove thus made. At the foot of the piano stands a 
lovely Japanese screen, which, with several tall arti- 
ficial palms, half shuts off part of the room, in an inti- 
mate cozy-corner effect. A desk-telephone upon a 
small table between the doors, a deep couch near the 
center, and some casually placed chairs complete the 
furnishing. The warm sun of an early spring after* 
noon pours in the window and dining-room in back. 

When the curtain slowly rises the folding doors are 

open disclosing Kent, Gilmore, and two other men — 

Biddle and Tainter — at the luncheon table. They 

are obviously absorbed in a conference, though they are 

* See copyright notice on back of title page. 

7 



8 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

not heard. A maid waits upon them. There is a 
pause. 

Woods, a quiet-mannered butler, about sixty, enters 
from back. He carries a vase filled with large Amer- 
ican Beauties which he brings down into the room and 
places upon the piano. He then goes back and pulls 
the folding-doors together, thus cutting the men from 
view. He goes out the main door. There is another 
pause. Tom Porter comes in, followed by Woods. 

Porter is a genial, lovable man, verging on fifty, 
with hair noticeably turning gray. He is observing, 
acute, and keenly sympathetic. In spite of a persistent 
cheerfulness he suggests deep wells of feeling. He is 
obviously very much at home. 

Porter 
You don't know when Mrs. Kent will be back? 

Woods 
Almost any time now, Mr. Porter. Mrs. Kent's 
lunching out. 

Porter 
{Looking at clock) 
Um. Two-thirty. I'll wait a few moments, Woods. 

Woods 
( Taking his hat and coat) 
Very good, sir. I'm sorry I can't tell Mr. Kent that 
you're here. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 9 

Porter 
(Surprised) 
He's at home? 

Woods 

Yes, sir. Mr. Kent telephoned unexpectedly after 
Mrs. Kent had gone. Three gentlemen are lunching 
with Mr. Kent, sir. (Indicating dining-room in back) 
He left word I wasn't to interrupt him under any 
circumstances. 

Porter 
Don't bother him, of course. (He lights a ciga- 
rette) Political pot boiling, I suppose? 

Woods 
Yes, sir. — Would you like to wait upstairs? 

Porter 
No. I'll smoke a cigarette here and look over the 
paper. 

(The telephone rings and Woods answers it.) 

Woods 
Hello. No, Miss Deering. (Porter's face 
brightens) Mrs. Kent has not come in yet. Yes, 
Miss Deering. I'll tell her. 

Porter 
Hold the wire. 



io THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Woods 
Just a moment; Mr. Porter's here. 

(Woods goes out with Porter's hat and over- 
coat.) 

Porter 
{At the 'phone) 
Hello, Julia. I just dropped in to see Dora. Yes; 
she's coming right back. What's that ? Got to see her 
alone? Ah, you can't scare me off like that. Yes. 
Come over. I'll tell Dora. Yes; I'll wait. {More 
tenderly) Julia, I'll always wait. What's that? No, 
Central, I'm sorry that wasn't meant for you. 

(Dora Kent enters. Porter hangs up the 
receiver and they greet each other affectionately 
as old friends. 

Dora Kent, in spite of her girlish figure, is 
nearing thirty. Her obvious refinement gently 
colors a latent sense of power. Her manner, 
though never negative, is quiet, reserved, and a 
trifle dependent. She wears a smart suit and 
hat.) 

Dora 
( Good-naturedly ) 
Tom: I caught you. 

Porter 
Dora, dear. 

Dora 
You can't leave Julia a single moment, eh? Oh, 
don't deny it; I heard you. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER n 

Porter 
Julia was 'phoning you and like the popular song: 
'I happened to be there.' 

Dora 

(As he helps her remove her coat) 
Does she want me to ring her? 

Porter 
No: she's coming right around. 

Dora 
Good. I haven't seen her for ages. I suppose she's 
absorbed in her new novel. 

Porter 
She's absorbed in something, I know. She says she 
has something to tell you — alone. 

Dora 
Tom ; are congratulations in order at last ? 

Porter 
(Embarrassed) 
Her and me? Not yet. 

Dora 
Nonsense. I never thought a banker who'd beaten 
Wall Street would fall before a woman's hesitation. 



12 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 
{With a comic sigh of despair) 
Wall Street's got a system: Julia's only got tem- 
perament. 

Dora 
{Playfully) 
Tom, exactly what is temperament? 

Porter 
I never was much on genealogy; but I should say 
temperament was certainly descended from St. Vitus. 

Dora 
{Laughing) 
Tom, a lovely woman like Julia oughtn't to be at 
large. 

Porter 
That's why I'm trying to persuade her to marry me. 
But she's awfully stubborn. 

Dora 
Don't hurry her. She'll find herself. We all do in 
time. {He looks at her enigmatically, as she buries her 
face in the flowers, deeply inhaling their fragrance) 
Aren't they lovely? Treated myself. 

Porter 
How you love flowers. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 13 

Dora 
Yes; like Lady Teazle: when they're expensive. 

(She lifts the vase, and as she turns to put it in 
the dining-room, she notices the folding-doors 
are closed.) 

Porter 
Woods said Wallace had some men unexpectedly 
to lunch. 

Dora 
Did he say who ? 

Porter 
Blessed if I know. But, remember, this is the politi- 
cal season. 

Dora 
(As she presses the push-button on wall) 
Yes: the annual show of spring candidates, eh? 
Goodness, I do hope the politicians haven't been bother- 
ing Wallace again. I can see it's getting on his nerves : 
so I get it. (Smiling) Take my advice, Tom: never be 
the wife of a District Attorney, if you can help it. 

Porter 
(Laughing) 
All right, Dora; nor the wife of the next Governor, 
either, eh? 

(He pats her arm playfully.) 

Dora 

(Casually, as Woods enters) 
Woods, did Mr. Kent leave any word for me? 



14 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Woods 
No, Mrs. Kent. I don't think he expected you back 
so early. 

Dora 
Do you happen to know who are lunching with 
Mr. Kent? 

Woods 
I believe it's Mr. Biddle, Mr. Tainter, and — 
{Trying to recall) Mr. Gil — 

Porter 
{Quickly) 
Gilmore ? 

Woods 
Yes, sir; that's the name. 

Porter 
{Turning away and concealing his surprise) 
Mr. George Gilmore, um — 

Dora 
That's all, Woods. When they get to the cigars 
tell Mr. Kent I'm home. 

Porter 
Better also tell Mr. Kent I'm here, too. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 15 

Woods 
Very good, sir. 

(Dora is arranging the flowers, transferring 
some to other vases. As Woods goes out, she 
notices that Porter is standing lost in thought.) 

Dora 
What's the matter, Tom ? 

Porter 
That's Tainter from up state, isn't it? 

Dora 
I suppose so; but I don't recall Wallace ever met 
him before. 

Porter 
Biddle and George Gilmore, Wall Street. (Dubi- 
ously ) I don't like it, Dora. These fellows want some- 
thing. 

Dora 
Certainly they do : they're in politics. But all they'll 
get from Wallace is some of Letty's real home cooking. 

Porter 
Well, I'd be a bit suspicious of them if they hadn't 
come here so openly; particularly now that Wallace is 
being mentioned for Governor. 



16 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

{Confidently) 
Oh, he'll know how to handle them. And his record 
for his entire career will make them understand the 
sort of man he is. 

Porter 
Of course, of course. {He watches her a moment) 
What a part of his career you've been. 

Dora 
We have no children, Tom; so all I've had to give 
has gone into that. 

Porter 
You've made it together. 

Dora 
Yes: together. And I've been more a part of it 
than even he realizes, haven't I? 

Porter 
( Understanding) 
Much more. {He goes to her) And Fred Saf- 
ford? 

Dora 
{With a slight start, as her mood suddenly changes) 
Fred Safford? {She pauses as he looks at her in 
question) Why should you speak of him? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 17 

Porter 
We seldom have since you sent him away. 

Dora 
I thought you and Julia knew that I've never seen 
nor heard from Fred since. 

Porter 

And you've never told Wallace any of the par- 
ticulars ? 

Dora 
What good would it have done to have told him 
anything? That's all over, Tom. 

( The doors in back open and Wallace Kent 
enters, closing them after him. For a short 
interval the three men — Gilmore, Tainter, 
and BiDDLE — are again seen at the table, dis- 
cussing together. 

Wallace Kent is reserved, forty, with a 
fine face and pleasant personality. He sug- 
gests hidden force and passion, coupled with 
considerable sensitiveness and intuition. He is 
a man not easily read.) 

Kent 
Dora, back so early ? 

Dora 
{As they kiss) 
Oh, it was a dreadful bore. 



18 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
Hello, Tom: what's this? A self-appointed investi- 
gating committee? 

Dora 
{Laughing) 
Goodness, no; but perhaps you could tell us the 
secret. I asked Woods who were with you. Is it about 
the governorship nomination? 

Kent 
Right, as usual. 

Porter 
And a nomination this year means election sure. 

Kent 
So they say. 

Dora 
( Good-naturedly ) 
Wallace; Tom doesn't like your company. 

Porter 
{Protesting) 
Now, Dora; you're telling tales out of school. 

Kent 

( Casually ) 
We're only talking over the coming State convention. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 19 

Dora 
And you're getting all shades of opinion, eh? 

Kent 
You see the political training she has had, Tom? 

Dora 
Tom thinks you ought to be careful. 

Kent 
Indeed ? 

Porter 

Well, I don't know much about politics, but it isn't 
the oyster plants that shed the pearls. 

Dora 
I said you'd know how to handle them. 

Kent 
(With a slight touch of asperity) 
I'm not a fool, Tom. 

Porter 

(Seeing the need of an explanation and going to him 
with genuine affection) 
Wallace, I'm afraid I'm in bad. Don't think it's an 
intrusion on the part of a stray bachelor; but we three 
and Julia have been pretty close these years and — 



20 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
(Seeing him hesitate) 
Say it, Tom. 

Porter 
Well, I'd hate to have you get that nomination un- 
less it came right, and without any strings. 

Dora 
( Half -reproachfully ) 
Why, Tom. 

Kent 
Nothing's to be decided yet ; but the nomination will 
come right or not at all. 

Porter 
Don't misunderstand. I know the pressure that's 
being brought to bear on you to delay that C. N. Y. 
Railroad case. 

Dora 
Tom, you really must be reprimanded. The idea 
of even thinking these gentlemen have anything to do 
with that case. 

Kent 
Tom means the Railroad crowd would do most any- 
thing to get the prosecuting attorney, eh ? 

Porter 
And those fellows have a lot of friends. (Taking 
his hand) I just wanted to hear you say it was all 
right. Forgive me. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 21 

Kent 
Oh, everybody's suspicious of public officials nowa- 
days. 

Dora 
(Proudly) 
I'm not, Wallace. (He smiles' as she continues in 
good spirits) But we mustn't deprive these gentlemen 
of your moral influence. 

Porter 
No, no; I'm sure they need it. 

Dora 
Tom will stay here with me, won't you ? He's wait- 
ing for Julia. 

Kent 
You're always waiting for Julia. 

Porter 
One of the things I do best. 

Dora 
(Over near door) 
I think this is Julia now. Stay a second, Wallace, 
and say hello. 

(Dora goes out.) 

Porter 
Can you hear my heart jumping? I'll never need 
digitalis so long as Julia's in my life. 



22 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
{Trying to be casual) 
May a very unimportant District Attorney ask 
when it's coming off ? 

Porter « 
Sh! It's such a secret even Julia doesn't know it. 

Kent 
Perhaps she feels a novelist shouldn't marry. 

Porter 

She's not a real novelist; she has money. 

( They laugh as the two women outside are 
heard greeting each other with intermingled 
sentences.) 

And they both understand what they're saying. 

{They enter. Dora having her arm affection- 
ately about Julia. 

Julia Deering is a contrast to Dora. She 
is also about thirty, but with an opulent per- 
sonality, impulsive and rather emotional in 
speech and temperament, a bit assertive and 
seemingly independent. She is attractively 
gowned though with a faint suggestion of the 
unconventional. 

She halts suddenly on seeing Kent, is slightly 
confused, but quickly recovers and goes to him.) 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 23 

Julia 
Wallace, this is unexpected. I thought you were 
downtown. 

Kent 
Sounds as though you've been trying to avoid me. 

Dora 
Yes: it's been two weeks since even I have seen you. 

Kent 
{Indicating dining-room) 
And now I have some hungry men waiting. 

Dora 
You see he will bring politics into the home. 

Julia 
I want to see Dora ; so don't let me keep you. But 
I must thank you again for letting my big brother as- 
sist you in that Railroad case. I haven't told him yet, 
as I promised. 

Kent 

{Enigmatically) 
I'll be glad to give Armor this chance for your sake. 

Porter 
{To Dora) 
Isn't that just like Wallace? 



24 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
When does it go to trial? 

Kent 
It's on the calendar next week. 

Porter 
They certainly have delayed it. 

Julia 
I'm so sorry I sha'n't be here to watch Armor per- 
form. He's so eager and enthusiastic about every- 
thing. 

Dora 

Surely you're not going away? 

Julia 

I'm afraid so. I'm sailing before then. 

(They are all surprised.) 

Kent 

You're going abroad? 

Dora 
Why, Julia — no — ? 

Julia 
Yes; to Corfu. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 25 

Dora 
Not while the war's still on? 

Julia 

Oh, I guess it won't pay attention to me. (Smil- 
ing) I'm a pacifist, you know. 

Kent 
But, Julia, this is all unexpected, isn't it? 

Julia 
(Avoiding his glance) 
I've been thinking for some time it's best. 

(Throughout the following a subtle tenseness, 
beneath the surface talk, is obvious.) 

Dora 

Well, I know there's no use trying to persuade you 
how foolish it is, when you once get a notion. 

Porter 
You're going to stay long? 

Julia 
(Vaguely) 
Oh, a year or so this trip. 

Dora 
But you will be lonely there. 



26 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
( Half light-heartedly ) 
Oh, no; I have my work. 

Porter 
{With a sigh) 
The world is full of people who have gone away. 

Julia 
(To Porter) 
But don't take it so terribly. There's no reason to 
be glum — all of you. Maybe, Tom, you will come 
and see me when the war's over. 

Porter 
( Whimsically ) 
Shouldn't wonder if I went before. 

Dora 
You may have to charter a submarine to get there. 

Porter 
Then I'm glad I retired from my bank and kept 
some of it. 

Kent 

You're going alone? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 27 

Julia 
To finish my novel. My publishers are getting im- 
patient. 

Porter 
{Mock seriously) 
These restless women with missions and no husbands ! 

Julia 
But you see, Tom, I'm already wedded to my art. 

Porter 
Can't we find a country where bigamy's permitted? 

Dora 
{Laughing) 
How many husbands do you think a woman needs? 

Porter 
Lord ! I don't know. That's every woman's eternal 
mystery. 

{They laugh nervously to cover their varying 
emotions.) 

Kent 
But you're not sailing right away? 

Julia 
I've got to get my passports. 



28 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
Had your photograph taken and all that? 

Julia 
{Laughing) 
Yes. 

Kent 
It seems to me you're taking chances, Julia. 

Dora 
Can't anything persuade you to stay? 

Julia 
{Significantly) 
Oh — something may turn up to keep me. {Glancing 
covertly at Dora) I'll know to-day. 

Kent 
{Shaking her hand) 
I'll see you before you sail. If there's anything I 
can do, let me know. 

Dora 

{Going back with him) 
Have you everything you wish, dear? {He nods) 
We won't disturb you here? 

Kent 
Couldn't hear a sound back there if I wanted to. 
Oh, Tom; after what Julia's told us, are you sure 
you don't need a cocktail? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 29 

Porter 

No, Wallace. I'm like the fellow who was asked by 
a musical hostess if he'd like a sonata before dinner 
and he said he'd had two on the way uptown. 

(They laugh as Dora opens the doors in back 
and stands there a second with Kent. Porter 
looks strangely at Julia who is apparently 
under some agitation. Dora closes the doors, 
comes down, then goes to Tom, shakes her head 
indicating how sorry she is for him. Then she 
takes up her coat.) 

Dora 

I'll be down in a moment. I must take off my hat 
which won't come off by itself. (Closer, on second 
thought) Julia; what's the reason you're going away? 

Porter 
She's afraid she'll spoil me if she stays and marries 
me. 

Dora 

Something may come up to keep you, you said. 
(Laughing good-naturedly) Well, I'll give you a few 
seconds, Tom, to find out what it is. (Hesitating) 
Was this what you really came around to tell me? 

Julia 

Wait till you come back. 



30 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
Tom! Julia! You can't deceive me, you two. I'm 
afraid there is a conspiracy between you. 

(She goes out, laughing. Julia sinks into a 
chair as though she has scarcely been able to 
control herself. She obviously waits till Dora 
has gone.) 

Julia 

Tom! (He comes to her) Fred Safford has come 
back. 

Porter 
(Astonished) 
Safford! 

Julia 
Yes. He's in town. 

Porter 
You've seen him? 

Julia 

No. He 'phoned. He's been here several weeks. 
He's coming to see Dora this afternoon. 

Porter 
(Hardly able to grasp it) 
To see Dora! 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 31 

Julia 
Yes. He probably thought Wallace was downtown. 
I tried to get him to see me first; but he wouldn't. 
He seemed desperate, as though he'd been drinking or 
something. 

Porter 
{Realizing) 
Good God! She mustn't see him. 

Julia 
Why not? 

Porter 
{Surprised) 
You ask me that? 

Julia 
He says he has a right to see her. 

Porter 
{Emphatically) 
He no longer has any rights here. 

Julia 
He thinks he has: he still loves her. 

Porter 
{Dismissing it) 
But all that is over with her. 



32 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
Are you sure ? 

Porter 
Certainly. (Between his teeth) The dirty pup, to 
come back. 

Julia 

(Surprised) 
You never said a thing like that about him before. 

Porter 
I've had my reason for being silent about him. 
(With a determined air) What's his address? 

Julia 
He didn't tell me. 

Porter 
That's like him. But I'll find him. 

Julia 
No; you mustn't stop him from seeing her. 

Porter 
(Astonished) 
I mustn't! 

Julia 
(Realizing the difficulty of her position) 
Wouldn't it be best if — if she found out for sure 
how she really felt? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 33 

Porter 
{Persistently) 
But I tell you it's all over, as far as she is con- 
cerned. 

Julia 
It was mighty important — once. 

Porter 
Yes; of course, it was. When she and Wallace 
weren't hitting it off. {Dismissing it) That was only 
the usual let down after a few years of married life. 

Julia 
But you seem to keep forgetting that Fred had come 
into her life; that she loved him. 

Porter 
No; I'm not. And she did what she should have 
done ; she sent him away ; she thought of Wallace — his 
career and — 



Julia 



And not of Fred. 



Porter 
Wallace loved her. He still loves her. You know 
that. (Julia turns away) Why, Julia, you're her 
very best friend; surely, you wouldn't want anything 
to come between her and Wallace? 



34 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 

(Quickly) 
Then you, too, are not sure of how she may still 
feel toward Fred? 

Porter 
I'm sure she mustn't see him. 

Julia 
You'll prevent it? 

Porter 
If I can. 

Julia 

(Desperately) 
Tom; you — you mustn't interfere. 

Porter 
(Surprised and incredulous) 
Julia! 

Julia 
I have my reasons. I can't explain to you. 

Porter 
(Hurt) 
Can't explain to me! 

Julia 
Let me see Dora alone and she can decide. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 35 

Porter 
Julia, your word has always been law to me. 

Julia 
Then please do as I ask. Don't — don't interfere. 

Porter 
{After a pause, not understanding) 
Very well; if you say so. 

Julia 
Tom — 

Porter 
Perhaps you women see best. If she is willing to 
see him I won't interfere. (With quiet determination) 
But if he tries to force himself upon her against her 
wish, I know a way to silence Fred Safford. 

(Dora has come in and heard the last few 
words. They turn embarrassed as she slowly 
comes down and speaks very quietly.) 

Dora 
Tom, you've been speaking again about Fred? Has 
anything happened to him? Is he — ? 

Julia 
He's come back. 

Dora 
Here? (Julia nods) Tom, is this true? 



36 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 
Julia has just told me. 

Dora 

(As though not understanding) 
But he promised — 

Julia 
(Abruptly) 
He still loves you. 

Dora 

He still loves me? — Too bad! Too bad! I had 

hoped he would forget. 

(She goes to chair and sits down. Porter lays 
his hand in appeal on Julia's arm as though 
asking silence. Suddenly Dora turns abruptly.) 

I understand now. He wants to see me. 

Julia 
Yes, he's coming here today. 

Porter 
Unless — 

Dora 
(Startled) 
No, no. He mustn't come here. (Glancing back 
where Kent is) I sha'n't see him. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 37 

Julia 
(In spite of Tom's protest) 
Then at my place. 

Porter 
Julia! 

Julia 
(To Porter) 
Please leave me alone with Dora. 

Porter 

(After looking at Julia and resigned to the situation) 
All right. Remember, I'm just around the corner, 

if you need me. I'll 'phone you later, Julia. Bye-bye, 

Dora. Let me know what you decide. (Under his 

breath as he goes out) The pup — 

(Dora has moved her hand across her brow in a 
bewildered fashion, not noticing his last words. 
Porter has gone out. Julia makes sure the 
door is closed after him. She stands looking at 
Dora for a moment. Then she goes to Dora 
and puts her hand affectionately on her 
shoulder.) 

Julia 
(Tenderly) 
You still love Fred ? 

Dora 

(Indefinitely) 
Oh, Julia, don't! 



38 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
See him. I'll arrange it: at my place. No one 
need — 

Dora 

No; not if he still loves me. 

Julia 

(Moving away slightly)] 
You aren't afraid, are you? 

Dora 
Why go over it again ? What good will it do ? 

Julia 
But hasn't he meant something to you? 

Dora 
Yes. It would mean something to any woman when 
a man accepts a decision as bravely as he did. I've not 
forgotten. I've been grateful. But I thought Fred 
knew it was final. 

Julia 

But you'll never be sure of your own feeling till you 
see him again. 

Dora 

(Slowly as though puzzled) 
Why do you wish me to be sure of my own feeling? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 39 

Julia 
{With growing agitation) 
I'd like you to be happy. 

Dora 
But I am — I am — as far as I can be. 

Julia 
Then you do fear to see Fred. 

Dora 

No; I don't fear to see him; but it must stay as it 
is between us — for his own sake. 

Julia 
You also forget Fred loves you. 

Dora 

I'm sorry, sorry. 

Julia 
Isn't love everything? 

Dora 

No; not everything. 

Julia 
It should be in marriage. 



40 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
{Looking at her) 
You are reproaching me! 

Julia 
I've said nothing to make you feel that. 

Dora 
No, not in words: but I feel your silent reproach, 
just as I felt it when I sent him away. You've always 
thought I should have gone with him. 

Julia 
Only because I didn't want any one to be cheated. 

Dora 
Fred may have been cheated; but it was the situa- 
tion not I that made it hard for him. I did what was 
right by Wallace. 



Julia 



Did you? 



Dora 
{Confidently) 
Oh, yes. He needed me. A scandal would have 
hurt his work — his political career. What he has be- 
come through me is sufficient proof I did the right 
thing. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 41 

Julia 

{Turning away) 
Success is not always a proof of what is right. 

Dora 

It's my justification for any wrong I may have done 
Fred. {Going to her) But, Julia; why do you insist 
on my seeing him again? (Julia is silent) We've 
been so close ever since we were children ; we've shared 
all our confidences. But you've come here now to urge 
something my whole instinct rebels at. I think I've 
the right to ask you for an answer. 

Julia 
I've told you. 

Dora 

No. You haven't explained your reason for want- 
ing it. 

Julia 
I can't explain. 

Dora 

There must be something more than your considera- 
tion of me back of this. There's some reason vital to 
you. 

Julia 
No. I— 



42 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
(Her intuitions now thoroughly alert) 
You didn't want any one cheated, you said. You 
weren't thinking only of Fred. 

Julia 
Dora, I've put myself in a false position. 

Dora 
Has this anything to do with your reason for going 
away? (There is a pause) Julia — has it? 

Julia 
Yes. 

Dora 
Something might persuade you to stay. It is some- 
thing to do with me. Have I done you any wrong? 
Have I cheated you in any way? 

Julia 

(Seeing she must face it) 
I — I might at least have had a chance for happiness, 
if you had — 

Dora 
(Quickly) 
If I had — what? 

Julia 
Oh, all that's worst in me is coming out. Please, 
please, let's stop. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 43 

Dora 
(Insistently) 
If I had what? 

Julia 
(Almost inaudibly) 
If — if you had gone with Fred. 

Dora 
(Looking at her in astonishment and stepping back) 
Julia! 

Julia 
(Defensively) 
Well, haven't you been living a lie here? 

Dora 

No! 

Julia 
Yes, you have. You've loved one man and lived 
with another. 

Dora 
(Scarcely believing what she has heard) 
Julia, Julia, I see it now. / was in the way. I am 
still in the way. That's why you wanted me to go with 
Fred; why you wish it even now! 

Julia 

(Quickly) 
Not go with him now unless you love him ; only give 
yourself the test. 



44 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
{Gazing incredulously at her) 
Julia! Don't turn from me. You mean you love 
Wallace ? 

(Julia tries to meet her gaze, then she turns 
and bows her head in silent acknowledgment of 
the truth. Dora looks at her a long while, 
then impulsively goes to her, clutching her 
arm.) 
Does Wallace know this ? 

Julia 
No. He loves you. 

Dora 
{Releasing her hold, convinced) 
Yes. He loves me. 

Julia 
I've been unkind to him. I've even led him to be- 
lieve it was Tom. {Earnestly) You know I've never 
been disloyal to you. 

Dora 
Yes; I'm sure of that. {Still incredulous) You love 
him. That explains much I never understood. Poor 
Julia! 

Julia 
You pity me? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 45 

Dora 
No; I just understand. 

Julia 
(Passionately) 
But I tell you, Dora, if Wallace had loved me I 
wouldn't have been the coward — 

Dora 
That I was? (Eyeing her) I wonder. I wonder. 

Julia 

(Humbled) 
Oh, forgive me, dear. I'm all impulse and selfish- 
ness. I've suffered a lot. It broke my defenses just 
now unexpectedly seeing Wallace and knowing I was 
going away. That's why I'm going. I can't stand 
it. I — forgive me. 

Dora 
(Very tenderly, after a pause) 
It's best you go, for a while. 

Julia 
Yes. (As though thoroughly ashamed of herself) 
But this won't make a mess between you and me ? 

Dora 
No. I haven't forgotten all you did for me — once. 



46 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
I don't know what got into me. It was just the wild 
chance that perhaps — 

Dora 
I'm not angry; only hurt a little somehow. 

Julia 
You ought never to speak to me again. 

Dora 
( Tenderly ) 
Love makes us all do foolish things. There, there, 
Julia; let's say no more about it. 

Julia 
{After a pause) 
And Fred? 

Dora 
{Going to button and pushing it) 
I sha'n't see him. 

Julia 
You're right. It's better all around. I'll tell him. 

Dora 

{Calmly) 
No ; I'll write him and you will see that he gets the 
letter. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 47 

Julia 
I'll ask him to go away. 

Dora 

Yes; and tell him to be a man. (Woods enters.) 
Woods, if a Mr. Safford should call — 

Woods 
I was just going to announce him. 



But- 



JULIA 

{Tense) 

(Fred Safford enters quickly. They all stand 
still and silent. 

Safford is almost the wreck of what was 
once a strong, handsome man; his face is worn 
and dissipated, mouth hard and fingers nervous. 
He is thirty-eight but looks older. There is a 
very slight suggestion he has been drinking 
which tends to let down whatever reserve may 
have been left. There is only an occasional 
flash of what must have been an old charm.) 



Woods 
{After a slight pause) 
Anything further, Mrs. Kent? 



48 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 

(Relieving the situation) 
Will you see if my car is there. 

Woods 
Certainly. 

(They wait till Woods goes out.) 

Julia 
(Goes to S afford) 
Hadn't you better come with me? (Safford mo- 
tions her aside) How you've changed, Fred! (Looks 
at him quite a while, half shrinking) Dora, say good- 
bye to Wallace. I don't want to interrupt his 
luncheon with those gentlemen. 

(Saying this for Safford to know Kent is in 
the next room. Safford is surprised at this, 
but apparently accepts it.) 
Be careful, Fred, be careful! 

(Dora has stood as one transfixed. She has 
not taken her eyes off Safford, who is also 
staring at her. Julia goes out closing the door. 
There is a pause: Safford takes a few steps 
nearer to her, hesitates, then slowly goes to her, 
as if to embrace her. She instinctively puts her 
arms between them, pushes him back, breaking 
from him and silencing him. He halts, half in 
query. They play the whole scene with a quiet 
intensity as though afraid of an impending in- 
terruption from Kent.) 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 49 

Dora 
What do you mean by coming here? 

Safford 
I thought you'd be alone. 

Dora 
But why did you break your promise? 

Safford 
{Surprised) 
You don't want to see me at all ? 

Dora 
I didn't say that. 

Safford 
You women don't have to say things. 

Dora 

{More tenderly) 
Oh, why did you come back, Fred? 

Safford 
Didn't you ever think I would? 

Dora 
I thought your promise was sufficient. 



50 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Safford 
I was a fool to make it. 

Dora 
Even when I asked it? 

Safford 
It cheated us out of our happiness. 

Dora 
{Hurt more and more throughout) 
Would it have been happiness ? 

Safford 
Beginning to doubt? 

Dora 
{Looking at him) 
No, Fred. I'm sorry; but seeing you again, I know 
it couldn't have been happiness. — How you have 
changed ! 

Safford 
( Tensely ) 
Not in my love for you. 

Dora 
Hush! 

Safford 
Dora! 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 51 

Dora 
{Repressed) 
Don't, my husband! Oh, let me think — please, 
please. 

Safford 
I gave you time to think once, and I lost you. 



Dora 

{On the defensive) 
You never had me. I see it now, never! 



Safford 
{Forcibly) 
Yes; I did. 

Dora 

No, no. I was down, weary, sick. Marriage wasn't 
what I thought and — ■ 

Safford 
You're not going to hand out that usual talk? 

Dora 
{Breaking slightly) 
God, Fred ! Don't you see I didn't want to regret ? 
It kept me up : the knowledge that I'd done the wisest 
thing for us all. 



52 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Safford 
{Emphatically) 
What you did to me made me what I am. Look 
at me. 

Dora 
{Shuddering) 
No, no. 

Safford 

Yes, look at me. {Slowly) I'm a disappointment, a 
failure, eh? 

Dora 
{Moving from him) 
Yes; and it hurts. 

Safford 
{With a touch of genuine feeling) 
I would have been different if I'd had you. 

Dora 
{Slowly shrinking from him with growing disillusion- 
ment) 
Oh, why didn't you forget me? 

Safford 
As you did? I couldn't, Dora; I couldn't. 

Dora 
I never forgot you, Fred. I thought you were a 
strong man, strong in your love; strong enough to 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 53 

make your love, if nothing else, keep you clean. But 
you've soiled yourself and me in coming back this way 
— in being what you are. 

Safford 
Did you ever once inquire about me? 

Dora 
I trusted you. 

Safford 
Then, how do you know what I've become? 

Dora 
Oh, Fred, it's in your face. 

Safford 
I love you, I tell you. 

Dora 
Love? 

Safford 
Yes. You've always been near me. If I'd owned 
you just once I might have forgotten. 

Dora 
Is that the way men like you forget? 

Safford 
I've tried to forget you, but I couldn't. 



54 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
I gave you credit for everything. 

Safford 
Oh, no, you didn't. You really blamed me for 
going so easily. 

Dora 

No! 

Safford 
Yes, you did. I know women. You'd have come 
with me, if I'd made you. (She gazes incredulously) 
But I couldn't stay and force you. You know Porter 
made me get out. Don't try to fool me. 

Dora 
(Not understanding) 
Tom? 

Safford 
I want you to forgive me for going. But he knew 
the hole I was in. I didn't intend to keep the money, 
but I was desperate — 

Dora 
You stole money? You left Tom's bank be- 
cause — ? 

Safford 
(Startled) 
Didn't he tell you? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 55 

Dora 
{Shrinking back) 
No! Never that! 

Safford 
{With a touch of bravado) 
Well, it makes no difference. You'd have to know 
some day. I was desperate after you threw me 
over — 

Dora 
{Revolted) 
After! And I thought it was your strength that 
made you go! 

Safford 
I tell you you've changed towards me because I 
didn't take you as a man should when he wants a 
woman. But I've come back for you now. 

Dora 
{Sarcastically) 
How you love me! 

Safford 
{Pleading quickly) 
You've got to save me, Dora. Every time life shuf- 
fled me rotten cards, I knew I'd have played to win 
by your side. What was still decent in me reproached 
me and made me cling to the thought of you. I could- 



56 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

n't pull myself up alone. The loss of you kept you 
alive. My love for you made me go wrong first and 
you've got to help me to go back or I'm finished. 

Dora 
{Incredulously staring at him) 
You blame me! You miserable — 

Safford 
You'll blame yourself for what I am when you've 
thought it over. {Reproachfully) You clung to me 
when you needed me. 

Dora 
I was unhappy, I — {Turning firmly as he sneers) 
No. I won't make excuses. Perhaps I did you a 
wrong. 

Safford 
{Bitterly) 
But you found consolation with your husband. 



Dora 
{Her face brightening) 



Yes. 



Safford 
{Sneering) 
And I suppose you have made yourself part of hi9 
career ? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 57 

Dora 

Yes, I have — as I told you I would. I've helped 
to make him — 

Safford 

What? A man respected and honest, eh? 

Dora 
Yes! 

Safford 
(Sneering) 
Honest ? 

Dora 
What do you mean? 

Safford 
Honest? 

Dora 

(As he laughs bitterly) 

What do you think you'll gain by insulting him? 

Safford 

(Abruptly pointing to dining-room door) 
Who's your husband lunching with ? 

Dora 

(Involuntarily) 
Mr. Tainter — Mr. Gilmore and — (Suddenly 



58 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

realizing and becoming confused) How did you know 
they were here? 

Safford 

Didn't you hear Julia tell me? But I didn't know 
who they were. Thanks for telling me. Gilmore, eh ? 
George Gilmore ! And Tainter, eh ? I thought so. 

Dora 
{Recalling Porter's suspicions, as Safford laughs) 
What do you mean? 

Safford 

For three weeks since I came back, I've been nosing 
around. That's why I waited before I saw you. I 
was afraid you'd pull this good husband stuff. I've 
found out what I wanted to know about him. And 
I'll tell you how I found out if you want to know. 

Dora 
Leave this house! 

Safford 
He's playing crooked politics. 

Dora 

{Sharply) 
No. 

Safford 

Watch that C. N. R. Railroad indictment. You'll 
find these fellows pressed for trial, like hell you will. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 59 

Dora 

{Defensively) 
These men have nothing to do with that case. 

Safford 
Haven't they? Well, their friends have and these 
are the fellows who can give your husband what he 
wants — the nomination! 

Dora 
Leave this house! 

Safford 
(Pushing her gradually towards the window, step by 
step) 
Dora, Dora! Don't treat me this way. I'll do 
anything to get you. I love you. Come with me. 

Dora 
Go! Go! 

Safford 
He's no justification for what you've done me. 

Dora 
Don't touch me. If you don't go, I'll call him and 
tell him you are a thief ! 

Safford 
I don't give a damn now. I won't live without you. 



60 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

You've stripped everything. Go. Go! Sh! 

(She has retreated slowly to window by piano. 
The doors open in back and Kent, followed 
by Gilmore, Tainter, and Biddle enter. 
Kent believes they are alone. 

Gilmore, an impressive, authoritative man 
about fifty; Biddle, somewhat younger, is suave 
and polished; Tainter, rather rough and im- 
portant. 

Dora instinctively covers Safford. They 
are both hidden by the plants and flowers which 
screen the piano. Safford grips her arm and 
listens with a sneer, as she stands dazed.) 

Kent 

(Indicating) 
We'll be more comfortable in the library. 

Gilmore 
(In a persuasive, confidential tone) 
It's only a question of a few months, Kent; the 
reason for delaying the trial can appear perfectly 
legitimate, can't it, gentlemen? (Other two agree) 
Besides, your record protects you from criticism and 
our position guarantees your success. (He sees Kent's 
uncertainty) But let's go over it again. Perhaps we 
can put our offer in a more attractive way. (To 
others) Fine mild Perfectos these. 

(The others, at Kent's suggestion, go out 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 61 

towards the library. Gilmore follows. 
Woods has appeared at the folding-doors. 
Kent sees him.) 

Kent 
Woods, did you telephone my assistant? 

Woods 
Mr. Deering will be up later. 

Kent 
These gentlemen need not see him, understand? 

Woods 
Yes, sir. 

Kent 

Serve liqueurs in the library. 

Woods 
Yes, sir. 

(Kent goes thoughtfully towards the library. 
Murmur of men heard greeting him. Woods 
closes doors in back and cuts himself from view. 
Dora and Safford are alone.) 

Safford 
{Sneering) 
You see! 



62 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
Go! 

Safford 
I'm a thief, am I? Well, what's he? 

Dora 
(Dazed) 
I don't believe it. 

Safford 
He'll try to fool you. 

Dora 
(Determined) 
I'll find out. 

Safford 
(With hope) 
And if—? 

Dora 
(Finally) 
Never with you. (Motions toward main door) 
Go! Go! You're dead to me. 

Safford 
( Tensely ) 
Dead, am I? Then you've wrecked me; you've 
killed me for his career and he's crooked — crooked. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 63 

(Bitterly) Don't forget you've killed me and he's 
going crooked in spite of your sacrifice. Don't forget 
that. 

Dora 
( Throughout) 
Go ! Go ! Go ! — It isn't true ! 

(She half pushes him in disgust out of the room, 
closing the door. Then she staggers up to 
the folding-doors, leans against them, looking 
towards library where her husband is. But in 
spite of her words, her face is set in doubt and 
suspicion.) 

Curtain 



THE SECOND ACT 



THE SECOND ACT 

Same as the first act. Late the next afternoon. 

The curtain rises on Dora seated at piano playint 
an aria from Madame Butterfly. She has on an after 1 
noon gown. She seems abstracted, pauses, and looks 
impatiently out of window. She does this a second 
time and apparently sees Kent. She gives an eager 
cry, then crosses quickly to door as though to meet 
him, but changes her mind and comes slowly into room. 
Though she instinctively resents her own doubt, it is 
seen that she feels she must question him about Saf- 
ford's accusation. 

Kent comes in and throws aside hat and coat. 
There is a note of quiet determination in his manner. 
He has some unopened letters in his hand which he 
puts on table. 

Kent 
Hello, Dora. Feeling better? 

Dora 
Yes. 

Kent 

I came in too late last night to disturb you and I 
thought you'd better sleep this morning. Has Armor 
come yet? 

67 



68 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
He missed you yesterday. Didn't you see him at 
your office? 

Kent 
I haven't been there today. (Looks at clock) 
Have my brokers 'phoned? 

Dora 
Mr. Cooper did. He said he'd ring you up later. 
(After a pause as though she half hesitates to take up 
the subject) But you haven't told me about the 
luncheon yesterday. 

Kent 

There's nothing to tell. 

Dora 

(As he is glancing through mail) 
You're still considering being a candidate? 

Kent 
For Governor? (She assents slowly) No; I de- 
cided not to run. 

Dora 

(Obviously relieved, though surprised) 
Not to run ? 

Kent 
Why, I thought you'd be disappointed? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 69 

Dora 
{With conflicting emotions) 
I am disappointed, if you are. We've both looked 
forward to it so. But I know there must have been 
good reasons why you have refused their support. 

Kent 

They offered it; but I couldn't accept their terms. 
(She gives a sigh of relief which causes him to look at 
her somewhat puzzled) Dora, aren't you feeling well? 

Dora 
I had a wretched night: I'll be better now. 

Kent 
Here's some mail for you. 

Dora 

(As she takes up the letters, casually looking through 
them) 
Bridge? Belgium Relief. Wedding announce- 
ments ? 

Kent 
Not Tom Porter's? 

Dora 
( Good-naturedly ) 
No. — Wallace, why haven't you been nice to Tom 
lately? 



70 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
Nonsense. 

Dora 

No, you haven't. You've really been awfully touchy. 
Here. {Giving him some letters) You'd better take 
these. 

Kent 

{Glancing at envelopes; tossing them aside unopened) 
Bills, I presume. 

Dora 

Haven't some of them been kept waiting quite a 
time? The florist and 

Kent 
{Avoiding the subject) 
I'll attend to them later. 

{She has kept several letters in her hand and 
now, on seeing one, which she recognizes is from 
Safford, she starts; then obviously conceals it 
from Kent, who is still glancing through the 
rest of the mail.) 
They've reserved seats for Tristan. It's the last per- 
formance. 



Dora 
Will you be able to go with me ? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 71 

Kent 

If I'm busy, get Tom. 

Dora 
Wagner always gives him a headache. He prefers 
Butterfly. 

Kent 
I suppose that mushy music suits his mood. 

Dora 
Still, he'll go, I know, if that important Railroad 
trial is taking all your attention. 

(Kent looks at her quickly.) 
(Woods enters.) 

Woods 
Mr. Deering. 

(Kent assents and Woods goes out, taking 
Kent's hat and coat.) 

Dora 
( Tentatively ) 
I'll go upstairs if it's private. 

Kent 
No, stay; of course, stay. 

(Dora is pleased that he seems to wish her to 
remain. As Kent goes momentarily out to 
meet Deering, Dora looks triumphantly at 



72 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Safford's letter which she has kept concealed 
in her hand.) 

Dora 

I told you it wasn't so! 

(She tears the unopened letter up, with a cer- 
tain finality, as though her doubts were over. 
Deering and Kent, who have been heard 
greeting outside door, enter. 

Armor Deering, Julia's brother, has not 
yet reached thirty. He is virile, clean-cut, and 
ingratiating. He has an air of reliable manli- 
ness beneath his apparent earnestness, which, 
fortunately, is tempered by a sense of humor.) 

Deering 
How'd do, Mrs. Kent. 

Dora 
(Greeting him) 
Sorry I missed you yesterday, Armor. 

Kb nt 

Cigarette? Highball? 

Deering 
(Refusing both) 
No. You know I'm going to be married; so I'm 
reforming my present life. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 73 

Dora 
{Without any hidden intention) 
Then, Armor, you and Sally must be more than 
delighted at this opportunity Mr. Kent has given you. 

Kent 



What opportunity 



Dora 
Why, the C. N. Y. case. 

Deering 

Sister Julia just told me you decided to let me help 
you handle it in court. I thought that was the reason 
you wished to see me here. 

Dora 

Why, of course. You spoke of it yesterday, Wal- 
lace, during luncheon. 

Kent 

Yes, yes; but — {There is a momentary pause) 
Well, Armor, you know I'd do whatever I could for 
you and Julia, but — 

Deering 
{Sensing the situation) 
Don't let it embarrass you if Mrs. Kent or Julia 
misunderstood. 



74 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
(Puzzled) 
Wallace, I was sure you said — 

Kent 
(Looking at her keenly) 
I think you are mistaken, dear. 

Dora 

Perhaps ; yet 

(She stops a second, puzzled; then as she turns 
she looks at the torn pieces of Safford's letter 
still in her hand, her suspicions again aroused. 
She takes flower vase, goes up into dining-room, 
throws letter in fireplace, removes the fading 
flowers from vase, etc., and is absorbed in 
thought, yet half unconsciously at times, look- 
ing in at the two men who speak in a quick, 
business-like fashion during this.) 

Deering 
I felt all along it's your case. It will mean a lot to 
your political future. 

Kent 
I was not considering that. 

Deering 
I don't believe you know all I've unearthed. It 
will cause a political earthquake; accounts juggled; 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 75 

lobby expenses to ward off strike bills ; expenses toward 
political compaigns — all used out of funds, which, by 
right, belong to the stockholders. 

Kent 
(Feeling his way throughout) 
Perhaps, after all, you are better acquainted with 
the case. But are the facts you have unearthed ad- 
missible as evidence under the indictment? 

Deering 
I'm not absolutely positive, sir. 

Kent 
But that's vital. 

Deering 

I know a mere hint of what I've got will lead the 
Governor to make an investigation of this whole situ- 
ation. 

Kent 
You advise me to make political capital out of this? 

Deering 
(Smiling) 
It's always good to have it up your sleeve if you 
have to take your coat off. 



76 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
( Casually ) 
It's on the calendar for next Monday, isn't it? 

Deering 
Yes, sir. 

Kent 

I could hardly go through all the evidence before 
then, could I? 

Deering 
{Eagerly) 
I'm well enough prepared to open. 

Kent 
( Hesitating ) 
From what you say this appears such an important 
case that — 

Deering 
You feel you'd better handle it entirely yourself ? 

Kent 
{Frankly) 
What would you advise in my place? 

Deering 
{Smiling) 
You've had more experience with crooks than I've 
had; but, then, I'm still young. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 77 

Kent 
I can probably get to the bottom in a few days. I 
understand their counsel has asked for a postponement 
and if we agree 

Deering 
(Quickly) 
I'd advise against having this put over. Their 
counsel has already exhausted every technicality to keep 
this out of court. The court would allow further 
postponement only upon our motion and that wouldn't 
be wise. 

Kent 
Still, I hardly believe it advisable to spoil our case 
by pushing it prematurely. 

Deering 
But there's no doubt about their guilt. 

Kent 
Unfortunately moral certainty is not legal proof. 
If this case should be thrown out on a technicality, it 
means immunity from future prosecution. 

Deering 

(Emphatically) 

Their object is to keep it off the Spring calendar so 

that, after the Summer recess, the case may be tried 

before another Judge; and they would gain the usual 

benefits of delay. Besides, next Fall, with the muddle 



78 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

of Municipal and State elections, they figure on the 
people being blinded to the real situation should all 
the facts be disclosed. And the yellow papers are 
already beginning to ask questions. So I don't believe 
you'll be able to explain satisfactorily to the voters 
why you've put off this case, after I've forced it to 
trial, should you, by any chance, expect to rely on 
their votes in the coming election. 

Kent 

(Forcibly) 

I don't need the people's votes; I won't be turned 

from any course I think is right. If I halt this case 

one month or two — over to the Fall even — it will be 

because I think it wise. 

Deering 

I beg your pardon if I seemed outspoken. But I 
felt sure of my position. 

Kent 
I'm not intending to dismiss the case. 

Deering 

I can't help thinking how embarrassing it might 
prove for you if you delayed this prosecution too long, 
and the people should ask why. 

(As Dora has come down placing the empty 
flower vase on the piano, she catches the drift 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 79 

of the last few speeches. She stands listening 
intently, unobserved by Kent.) 

Kent 
Why attempt to explain anything to the people? 

Deering 
{With feeling) 
Mr. Kent; I'm deeply grateful for all you've done 
for me. I know I'd never been appointed your as- 
sistant if I hadn't happened to be Julia's brother. 
I'm afraid I presumed on that friendship. You know 
best about this, sir. You must excuse me if 

Kent 
{He is obviously moved. His manner is affectionate 
and it is seen his course has been difficult) 
Armor, Armor. Forgive me. I quite appreciate 
the disappointment this must be to you. 

Deering 
( Good-naturedly ) 
Truck! I saw a halo sprouting on my head. 

Kent 
I understand. But you're exaggerating, you're over- 
zealous; it's only a temporary delay and it seems most 
expedient. Come, come. Aren't we both overdoing its 
importance a little? {They laugh) There'll be other 
things that'll come your way soon. 



8o THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Deering 

Sure: I'm going to get married. 

(Woods enters.) 

Woods 
Mr. Porter. 

Dora 

All right, Woods. 

(Kent turns and sees Dora standing there. 
Woods goes out.) 

Deering 

{Noting there is some embarrassment as they gaze at 
each other) 
Excuse me for a moment, Mrs. Kent; Sister Julia 
is in the car with Tom Porter, I think. I'll tell her 
I'm here. 

(Deering goes out.) 





Dora 


Why? 






Kent 


What? 






Dora 


This delay? 






Kent 


You heard what I said. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 81 

Dora 
That's not the real reason. Something at luncheon 
yesterday 

Kent 
Bosh, dear! 

Dora 
If not for the Governorship nomination, why? 

Kent 
What makes you suspect anything? 

Dora 
My instinct. 

Kent 
You women have many false instincts. 

Dora 
They are as real to us as facts. 

Kent 
(Plausibly) 
Dear, why have you suddenly grown suspicious? 
It's not like you. 

Dora 
No, it's not; yet if one suddenly doubts what one 
has trusted? 



82 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
Don't you trust me? 

Dora 
(With impulsive emphasis as though to reassure her- 
self) 
Yes, I do — I do — of course, I do. (He pats her arm; 
then she smiles as though she were ashamed of her 
doubt) I was a bit puzzled. That's all. 

(Enter Porter.) 

Porter 
(Cheerfully, seeing them together) 
Ah ! pretty picture ! Not interrupting, am I ? 

Dora 
(Lightly) 
You're a habit; never an interruption. 

Porter 
Glad I'm something you can't lose. 

Dora 
But where's Julia? I thought Armor said she was 
with you? 

Porter 
She's waiting outside in the car for me. Said she'd 
promised to pick Armor up, too. I tried to get her to 
come in with me; but I can't do anything with her. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 83 

She's in one of her moods. It pays to be a writer; 
everybody excuses them when they're flighty. 

Dora 

You try to persuade her, Wallace. Perhaps she'll 
have some tea. {Quietly to him as he is near door) 
And besides, you'd better explain to her about Armor. 
(Kent goes out. Porter turns as Dora comes close 
to him) Tom? 

Porter 
Yes, Dora. 

Dora 
How was it Fred wasn't arrested? 



Porter 
{Surprised) 



Arrested ? 



Dora 
Yes; for his theft at the bank. 

Porter 
He told you? 

Dora 

Yes. He thought I knew. He said you had dis- 
covered it. Did any one else know? 



84 THE ROAD TOGETPIER 

Porter 
Fortunately not. 

Dora 
Then the money was restored? 

Porter 

Yes — in full. (Not quite understanding her mood) 
But don't worry. 

Dora 
(Interrupting) 
Did he restore it? (Porter smiles cynically in 
spite of himself; she steps nearer to him, grasping the 
situation) You — you put it back! 

Porter 
(Deprecating it) 
Now don't let's talk of that. 

Dora 
What a friend you have been — what a friend ! 

Porter 

(Patting the hand which she has put in his) 
I'd do anything for you and Julia. 

Dora 
Then why didn't you tell me of this before? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 85 

Porter 
{Half whimsically") 
Dora, we all need illusions to help us over the hard 
places. 

Dora 

No — no, we don't. They make us sentimentalize 
things. Here I've been thinking all this time that Fred 
was a decent, strong, honest man ; that he did not need 
me as my husband did. And he was a common crook ; 
a thief; a man without principle; one who betrayed 
a trust; took money! {Disgusted) Oh, that I should 
ever have given him a thought! It shames me, Tom, 
that any man who touched my life, who claimed he 
loved me should not be able to go straight and honest. 
Oh, the insult he's given me. And then he blames 
me — me — for what he has become! {Passionately) 
Why didn't you have him arrested? 

Porter 

Because it would have been your husband's duty to 
send him to jail. 

Dora 

Do you think Wallace would have hesitated in doing 
his duty? 

Porter 

You thought you loved Fred then. You might have 
interfered. You might have felt responsible. 



86 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

Responsible! (Sarcastically) That's what Fred 
said. (Bitterly) That I had wrecked his life for the 
sake of my husband. Oh, what a cad to say a thing 
like that. 

Porter 

I didn't want any opportunity to arise where Wal- 
lace might forget his oath of office. 

Dora 
(With confidence) 
He wouldn't have forgotten it. He'd have gone 
through anything that was his duty then, as he would 
now. 

Porter 
Yes; I'm glad you feel that. 

Dora 
And Fred actually said Wallace was crooked. 

Porter 
What? 

Dora 
Yes. That was the last insult. 

Porter 
God! He was a rotter, wasn't he? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 87 

Dora 

Yes. And to think I might have gone with him — 
might have been married by now — to a crook. {Shud- 
dering) Oh! 

{The 'phone rings.) 

Porter 
But it's all right now, Dora. 

Dora 
Yes. Only make him go away. You can. 

Porter 

I have already. {She looks up in surprise) I fol- 
lowed him after he left here. I made him sail at noon. 
He's gone to the land of the men who can't come back. 

Dora 

{With a sigh of relief) 
Thank you, Tom. {The 'phone rings again) You 
answer it. 

Porter 
Always knew you'd see you hadn't made a mistake 
in staying here. 

Dora 
{Smiling tenderly) 
No. I didn't make any mistake. 

(Dora goes over to the piano and after a few 
moments sits before it, completely mistress of 



88 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

herself again. Porter goes to 'phone. Kent 
enters quietly and is unobserved at first.) 

Porter 

Hello! Yes, this is Mr. Kent's. Cooper & Collins? 
If it's important I'll call him. 

Kent 
{Slightly embarrassed) 
Is it for me? 

Porter 
{Looking at him slowly) 
Yes; your brokers. 

Kent 

Tell them to hold the wire. (Porter does so and 
puts down receiver) Julia wouldn't come in. She and 
Armor are waiting for you, Tom. 

Porter 

{Realizing Kent wishes to speak privately on 'phone) 
To be sure. Bye-bye, Wallace. {Goes to Dora, 
who gives him a handshake full of gratitude) Bye-bye. 
Going to take dinner with Julia to-night. {Whimsic- 
ally) Intend to try my luck again before she goes. 
Wouldn't it be splendid if she ? Well, it's some- 
thing to love her even if I can't. — Bye-bye. 

(Porter goes out. Kent, after glancing at 
Dora and not desiring to arouse her suspicions, 
decides to 'phone openly.) 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 89 

Kent 
Hello, Collins. What do you advise? Prices have 
gone down a point? You don't need more margin? 
Well, don't buy in till it drops to 40. {Significantly) 
I think it will. Good-bye. 

{He hangs up the receiver and looks at Dora, 
who has now begun to play an improvisation. 
There is a long pause. After slowly lighting a 
cigarette Kent crosses to her. It is seen he 
realizes he must make some explanation. His 
manner throughout is tender and shows the 
difficulty of his position.) 
I'm going to Rosemoor for a few days. Will you go 
with me? 

Dora 
And interrupt your work? No. {Cheerfully, as 
she continues to play throughout softly) A man should 
have one place where he can get away from wives and 
'phones. 

Kent 
Now, come, confess; you are disappointed that I'm 
not in the running for Governor. 

Dora 
I can't seem to think of you out of public life. 

Kent 
Well, you see there are several big guns after the 
nomination and I thought it might cause a lot of com- 
plications if I kept in as a candidate. 



go THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
Yet you knew all this? 

Kent 

Yes, dear; but I'm getting sick of politics, with its 
lack of gratitude, its deals, its bickerings and fence- 
fixing. I've felt the need of something secure — some 
life position away from all the mess of campaigns and 
elections. {Eyeing her) Besides, I know how much 
happier you'd feel if things were certain. 

Dora 

(Not quite understanding) 

But you never felt this way before. You always 
loved the fight. (Smiling) I'm afraid you'll get rest- 
less for the smell of battle, as you used to call it. You 
talk as though you were going to give up your whole 
life-work. I won't let you do that. It's just a mood, 
dear. You've been working too hard. 

Kent 
(Puffing slowly and measuring his words carefully) 

Oh, I'm not going to put everything away. — I'll tell 
you a little secret. Only you must promise to keep it 
all to yourself till it comes out in the papers? (She 
smiles in agreement) Well — you see, there's a va- 
cancy on the Federal Bench. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 91 

Dora 

A Federal Judgeship? (She stops playing, rises and 
in a puzzled manner goes to him, trying throughout 
to grasp its meaning) That isn't why you've agreed 
to postpone this Railroad case? 

Kent 
(With apparent frankness) 
Haven't I explained all that? 

Dora 

You've explained only that you are not going to be 
a candidate for Governor. 

Kent 
I told you they had offered it and that I refused. 

Dora 

The Governorship is an elective office; the people 
would have some say in that. Tainter and the Ma- 
chine control enough Federal patronage in this boss- 
ridden state to offer you the Judgeship. I know that. 
For reasons of their own it has been offered you, as an 
alternative j and you have accepted. You have accepted, 
haven't you? 

Kent 

Well, what if I have? Do you suppose, Dora, that 
I'd have been foolish enough to have told you this at 
all, if I had meant to deceive you? 



92 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

You've seen my suspicions. You realized that you 
couldn't always keep this from me. Perhaps you 
thought the best way to blind me was to tell me the 
truth. 

Kent 
{Turning away) 
Have we got to go over this again ? 

Dora 

I must understand this; I must think what this 
means. 

Kent 

Aren't you women happier when you don't think? 

Dora 

Please don't treat me as a child. If all this hadn't 
happened just when it did I'd have taken your mere 
word. But I can't. I can't now. 

Kent 
Dora! 

Dora 

Wallace; since luncheon yesterday I have been tor- 
tured in spite of myself. You could have seen me 
there by the window when you four passed through 
this room. {He is startled) I couldn't help hearing. 
Gilmore said it could be made to ' appear ' all right. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 93 

You've done so to Armor; but you must tell me the 
truth. 

Kent 

It hasn't been pleasant for me to deceive Armor. I 
beg of you not to go any further. 

Dora 

(Slowly) 
So they accomplished their object in coming? 

Kent 
Since you insist on knowing — yes. 

Dora 

You've agreed to delay prosecuting the C. N. Y. 
case? 

Kent 

Don't forget how financial and political interests 
are allied. 

Dora 

(Admitting it to herself for the first time) 
And in return they will see that you get a Federal 
Judgeship ! 

Kent 

Now, don't blame me. You don't know what's back 
of this. 



94 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

(With a ray of hope) 
I'm only trying to see if it's honest, that's all? 

Kent 

There's nothing illegal 

Dora 

I'm not talking of law. I'm talking of what's right. 
You've agreed to delay the course of justice for your 
own political advancement. Isn't that what it prac- 
tically means? 

Kent 

I'm seeing this through my need; so don't ask me 
anything further. I've done what I thought expedient 
and best for you. 

Dora 

(Surprised) 
You've done this for me? 

Kent 

I said you were part of my reason for agreeing. 
(Testily) Good Heavens, Dora; many wives would be 
proud to be in your position. 

Dora 
I have been proud of your success up to now. Suc- 
cess! (Recalls Julia's words) But success is not 
the test. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 95 

Kent 
It's the American standard. 

Dora 

I could never forget how you had obtained the ap- 
pointment. {He moves away as though dismissing it. 
She hesitates a moment and then goes to him tenderly) 
Wallace; several times things like this have come up 
in the past and we've always talked them over together. 
Remember that Insurance case last Fall? You said I 
helped you then. I know men in politics and public 
office must consider many factors, and they can't help 
thinking, in spite of themselves, of the political effect. 
Let's talk this over, too; if it's a case like that. 

Kent 
But I've already agreed to this. 

Dora 

You have? (Wallace nods) If you've done this 
through some mistaken desire to satisfy me, there's still 
time to 

Kent 

I can't. {In spite of himself) There are other 
reasons. 

Dora 

Reasons that compel you to do it? 



96 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
Does a man do these things of choice? 

Dora 
If it's the easiest way, some do ; but you never took 
that cut. (As the suspicion slowly grows) Do they 
know something about you ? 

Kent 
Yes. 

Dora 

Something dishonest that you — you've done? And 
for their silence ? 



Kent 
No. I've done nothing dishonest — yet. 

Dora 
(She gives a quick gasp of joy which slowly turns into 
another suspicion) 
This telephone just now. Your brokers! Stocks! 

Kent 
(Quickly) 
For God's sake, Dora, don't dig too deep, I tell you. 

Dora 
(Point blank) 
Has it to do with money? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 97 

Kent 
Yes. 

Dora 

(Shrinking away) 
You, too! 

Kent 
{Brutally) 
Yes: I need money. Now you've got it. 

Dora 

(Gasping at him absolutely stunned) 
You're taking their money? 

Kent 

No; I'm not as crude as that. I've sold stocks I 
haven't got, on margin. Nothing illegal in that. Just 
the habit of a nation. 

Dora 
(After a pause, as though trying to grasp it) 
Go on ! I don't understand. 

Kent 

I'm caught in the market. Gilmore and Biddle and 
their friends control a pool of the stock ; they will force 
prices down so I can buy in and get out and make what 
I need. (Bitterly) In return for their consideration, 
I merely delay the C. N. Y. trial. 



98 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

(Almost inaudibly as she recalls Safford's accusation) 
Then he was right! 

Kent 

(Desperately) 

You don't know what it is to need money, do you? 

Dora 

(Vaguely for some moments) 
No. You've always given me everything; I have a 
little income of my own, too 

Kent 

Your income pays for your flowers and your music; 
but what of your carriages, your amusements? 

Dora 

(Dumbly) 
But your salary? 

Kent 
Paid for your dresses and pretty things. 

Dora 

(Confused) 
But I didn't know; I didn't know. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 99 

Kent 

Why should you? You never could understand 
money matters. 

Dora 

{Helplessly) 
I always thought we had enough. You never said 
anything about my accounts. I've let you handle 
everything. 

Kent 
{Half tenderly) 
I haven't been particularly anxious for you to know 
the facts. {She looks at him) No matter why. 
Perhaps because you took such joy in pretty things. 

Dora 

{Quietly) 
You feel I'm partly to blame for your financial con- 
dition. Yes; you do. Well, fortunately, it's not too 
late; we'll change all that. 

Kent 
{Shrugging his shoulders) 
Change a habit in a moment? 

Dora 

I can try. I'll do without my ' pretty things,' as 
you call them. There, there, Wallace. We can live 
on what we have, can't we? 



ioo THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
And what of the bills? 

Dora 

( Good-naturedly ) 
They can wait. 

Kent 
{Laughs) 
I've paid nothing for months. Many of them have 
threatened suit. It's a marvel the yellow news- 
papers^ 

Dora 
Can't we save? 

Kent 
Who ever lives in this city and saves? 

Dora 

{Cheerfully) 
We will. 

Kent 
Yes; after I get on my feet. 

Dora 

Through your deal with these men? 

Kent 
Yes. Now do you understand? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 101 

Dora 

{With calm determination) 

I'm willing to bear my part in whatever sacrifices 
we must make; but we'll make them together. Tele- 
phone Mr. Gilmore, or Mr. Tainter, that you won't 
do this. 

Kent 

Do you know what'll happen? Gilmore will ruin 
me. Ruin! We'd have to move from this house; it's 
mortgaged to the limit; we'd have to get rid of every 
piece of furniture to feed our creditors; we'd land on 
the streets. Every dollar I could scrape together I've 
put up for margin on stocks these men control. I've 
gone deeper and deeper; every month selling more; 
putting up more margin; thinking prices would drop 
and I could recover everything. I can't get out and 
they'll call on me to deliver the stuff I haven't got ; and 
if I don't delay this Railroad case, Gilmore will push 
the prices up, my margins will be wiped out clean, and 
we'll be without a cent. 

Dora 

{Calmly) 
Ruin? Move from here? {Looks about room 
affectionately) Well, Wallace, I'm ready even for 
that. 

Kent 
But I'm not. 



102 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
I can share your poverty but not 

Kent 
Come, come; look the facts in the face. 

Dora 
You'll not do this. 

Kent 
I must. 

Dora 
{With calm strength) 
You will do as I say. 

Kent 
Nothing can make me. 

Dora 

/ can make you. {He looks at her in astonishment) 
Wallace, I beg of you don't do this. I beg of you. If 
you only knew how I'm clinging to your honesty, what 
it means to me! 

Kent 

There's no use in further words. {Emphatically) 
It's done and agreed to. 

Dora 
{Drawing back) 
You mean that? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 103 

Kent 
Absolutely. 

Dora 
What about your oath of office? 

Kent 
Bah! Who'll know? 

Dora 
I'll know. 

Kent 

{Cynically) 
Then I think I can trust you to keep the family 
secret. 

Dora 

Do you actually mean you're deliberately going to 
ruin your whole record like this? 

Kent 

There's many a man whose record is good because 
he hasn't been found out. This is nobody's concern. 

Dora 

Your honesty is my concern; your work is my con- 
cern; your career is my concern: not just because I'm 
your wife; but because I've made an equal contribu- 
tion; because I have rights here. I tell you, this goes 



104 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

deeper than you know. I'd rather lose your love — yes 
— I'd rather destroy whatever happiness you have 
found in me, than let you make this crooked deal. Now 
you see how dead in earnest I am. 

Kent 

Well, I've made my choice. After all, it's my 
career. 

Dora 
You don't think I've been any part of it? 

Kent 
Oh, yes; in a way, but 



Dora 

{Murmuring his words, incredulously) 
In a way, but 

Kent 

Well, I guess I've got a right to do what I want 
with my own life. 

Dora 

That wasn't the way I looked at it when I had a 
choice to make. I thought of you and how my actions 
might affect your life. You've got to think of me 
in what you do with your life! 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 105 

Kent 
{Looking at her intently) 
What do you mean ? 

Dora 
For the last time, will you telephone Gilmore? 

Kent 
{Taking her by the arms imperatively) 
What choice did you ever have to make that affected 
my career? 

Dora 
You're going through with this deal? 

Kent 
Yes! 

Dora 

Then I'll answer your question. — Do you remem- 
ber Fred Safford? 

Kent 
What of him ? 

Dora 

During your first campaign for the District At- 
torneyship, he and I saw a great deal of each other. 

Kent 
Well? 



106 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

He wanted me to go away with him. (Kent gazes 
at her) I very nearly went. 







Kent 






{Hardly believing her 


words) 


You nearly went 


with him! 








Dora 




Yes. 




Kent 




And 


you stayed — 


? 





Dora 
{In a clear, direct manner) 
For the reason I've just told you. You were mak- 
ing your first real fight. I knew how close it was. 
All your opponents were trying to get something on 
you — anything that could blur the clean-cut moral is- 
sues you were standing for. I felt a scandal could 
never have been explained before election; you would 
have been blamed somehow. I did not want you to 
know of Fred at the time. It would have distracted 
you, weakened your strength for the fight. I did not 
wish to postpone a decision for some future settlement. 
I feared I could not hide it from you much longer, so 
I sent him away. I gave him up. I stayed with you. 
I thought you needed me more ; thought you needed the 
help I could bring you through standing by your side. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 107 

That was the choice / made for your career: that's 
why I have a right to ask that you keep it clean. 

{He has stood gazing at her, though at first 
unable to grasp its relation to the deal with the 
men. Then he walks back and forth several 
times in silence as though trying to make up his 
mind. She stands watching him, firm and de- 
termined yet without any defiance. Finally he 
gives a sharp, ironic laugh, as though some hid- 
den thought were touched.) 
Please don't laugh. 

Kent 
If only you knew how amusing it all is ! 



Dora 



Amusing ? 



Kent 
Yes ; damned amusing. 

{He starts for the J 'phone.) 

Dora 

Yes, the ending is amusing. {Starting to explain) 
I've seen Fred again. He came back and 

Kent 
Hello? Give me Garden 77. Yes. 



108 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

I want to tell you everything, Wallace. I didn't 
before, because 

Kent 

{Ignoring her) 

Hello; connect me with Mr. Gilmore. Yes, Wal- 
lace Kent. Thank you. (She waits in suspense) 
Hello, Gilmore: I have been thinking over that little 
matter and I have decided I won't do it. ( Dora gives 
a cry of joy ) No ; under no considerations. Personal 
reasons. Yes. (Significantly) I quite appreciate what 
it means. Good-bye. 

(He puts back receiver.) 

Dora 

(Deeply moved) 
Thank you — thank you. 

Kent 
(Coldly) 
What's Armor's number? 

Dora 

I never can remember figures. (As he glances 
through telephone book) Thank you. It's all clean and 
above board now. We'll get along somehow. It may 
not be as hard as you suppose. We'll move to a cheaper 
place. I'll never forget this, never, never. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 109 

Kent 

(At the 'phone) 
Give me Morris 176. 

Dora 
I'm sure there'll be something I can do. ( Trying to 
smile) I never was very handy with my fingers, but, 
if necessary, I'll do anything that will help. 

Kent 
(At 'phone) 
Hello! Is that you, Armor? Just get in? Well, 
I've come to the conclusion you're right about that 
C. N. Y. business and I'll let you take it into court 
yourself next Monday. — I thought you'd be pleased. 
Can you open the case without me ? I may have to be 
out of town for a few days, so I'll leave everything in 
your hands. Yes, of course you can tell Julia. Good- 
bye. Don't thank me. 

(He hangs up receiver.) 

Dora 
(She goes to put her arms around him with a flood of 
affection ) 
What can I say? 

Kent 
(Pushing her gently away) 
I intend to send to the Governor to-night my resig- 
nation as District Attorney. 



no THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 



Your resignation? 

Yes. 

Why? 



(Slowly) 

Kent 
Dora 
Kent 



Because I can accept nothing at the price you paid 
nor keep what I've gained by it. (She is completely 
stunned and he continues with increasing bitterness) 
Was that your idea of my character, my strength ? Did 
you think I could not have stood alone ? 

Dora 
I only thought you needed me. 

Kent 
I did not need your pity. 

Dora 

You did not know what it was I gave you; the 
effect was the same. 

Kent 
At the time, yes. 

Dora 
I gave it all willingly. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER in 

Kent 

You expect me to take it proudly because you sac- 
rificed yourself and the man you loved for fear I might 
go to pieces? You thought I couldn't rise above talk? 
Proud of that? It's an insult. 

Dora 
{Completely halted by his unexpected reaction) 
Insult ? 

Kent 

Yes ; it was an insult : you might have given me the 
chance to offer you happiness with your poor weak 
fool. (She starts to explain) Do you believe I'd 
have dragged you away from him or punished you be- 
cause / couldn't keep your love? Do you think I 
couldn't have been decent to you both? 

Dora 

You would have treated me decently, I know. But 
that wouldn't have altered the other facts. I did what 
I thought was honorable by you. 

Kent 
(Sneering) 
Honorable? Honorable? You women are funny! 
You're shocked at me because I accepted Gilmore's 
offer; yet with your feminine logic you can see noth- 
ing despicable in living a lie in my house. Honor- 
able? 



ii2 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

{Confused) 
No ! No ! I lived no lie. If you'll let me explain. 
I suffered for it at first, but 

Kent 

That was sufficient excuse I suppose for the deceit? 
Only suffer for an action, you women think, and it be- 
comes beautiful ! Suffer ! You love it ; you take pleasure 
in it ; your spirit of martyrdom is your greatest luxury. 
Well, you acted well; played your part splendidly; 
for I never suspected, even when he was around. 

Dora 

{Forcefully) 
Then give me credit for that. There would have 
been no sacrifice had I brought you only tears. What 
if I did hide all that was hard then? You blame me 
for the lie; give me credit for my consideration and 
sincerity. 

Kent 
Sincerity? And you lived with me all this time as 
my wife and I never knew! 

Dora 
What else could I do if I stayed with you? 

Kent 
Wanton ! 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 113 

Dora 
{Flaming up) 
Don't you dare 

Kent 

I understand now. You took my name, my roof, my 
protection, and gave yourself in return. (She gives a 
sharp cry) Wanton! You took lips that meant his; 
embraces that made other memories live. And his 
name ! How was it you never gasped his name ? 

Dora 

I never stole one hour with him. I played straight 
that way. 

Kent 

How do I know, how can I ever know? 

Dora 
I'm giving you my word! 

Kent 

(With great scorn) 
Your word ! When you lived this lie and have given 
everything the same! (She turns to deny but can 
scarcely speak at his attitude) How can I believe any- 
thing in the present or past just because you've given 
your word? 

(She stands stunned at his words as he begins 
to laugh ironically throughout.) 



ii 4 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

If that's the way you feel, you can believe anything 
you wish! 

Kent 

Haven't you gone on cheating him, cheating your- 
self, and cheating me? 

Dora 

You? 

Kent 

Yes, me! And I thought all the while / was the 
one you loved. I fooled myself that I was everything 
to you. And I wasn't, was I? I wasn't? 

Dora 

I tell you nothing more till you come to your senses. 

Kent 

I'm in my right senses. I see it all. You don't 
have to explain. But I do. I want you to know I, 
also, did everything I could to fool and deceive you. 

Dora 

{Starting up) 
To fool me? 

Kent 

Yes. I heaped pretty things upon you, gave you 
everything you wished; I've ruined myself — everything. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 115 

Now you see. Now you see why this is too monstrously 
funny. Because I thought you loved me and that kept 
me silent. 

Dora 

Silent? {Going to him) What are you talking 
about ? 

Kent 

Don't you see ? You love somebody else. I am noth- 
ing to you now. I can pass out of your life, it's over. 

Dora 

( Trying to break in ) 

Answer me. What have you been silent about? 

Kent 
Now that it's all over between us, I can tell you. 
Don't think I want your pity. I don't need it now 
that we know we do not love each other. 

Dora 

{Starting back) 
You don't love me? 

Kent 
What difference does my love make to you now? 

Dora 
But 



u6 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 

Let's stop. It's over. Done with. Thrown in the 
rubbish heap. 

Dora 
Let's have all the truth. 

Kent 
It's too late, I tell you; too late for me. 

Dora 
{Trying to grasp the situation) 
You don't love me. 

Kent 

I never guessed about you. You never guessed about 
me. What a game we were playing. And you could 
have seen it happen right here, before your eyes. 

Dora 

{Grasping it) 
She lied to me! You love her! Julia! 

Kent 

Isn't it funny that you should love somebody else 
and that I should love somebody else and that we 
should go on living together, lying to each other? 
Isn't it too monstrously comical ? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 117 

Dora 
(Passionately) 

Yes, that you could live with me when your love had 
ceased ; give everything just the same, because you were 
a man. You could fool and trick me and yet blame 
me. That's why you were so bitter; I wounded your 
pride and not your love! 

Kent 
I know, I know, you're right. I won't sneak out of 
it the injured party. I was to blame, I was to blame, I 
was cruel — all. I lied; I lied. We both lied. And 
look what has happened. 

Dora 
(Quickly) 
All that's happened is that I'm in the way. That 
can be changed. Go to her. 

Kent 
(Halting) 
Why to her, pray? 

Dora 

(Controlling herself) 
She loves you. 

Kent 
Me? Loves me? (Laughing as before) Loves 
me? When I've never said a word, never dared look 
her in the eyes because I didn't want to mess things up 
and make you unhappy? Loves me? No, no. 



n8 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

(With cold intensity) 
Go to her. She loves you. She told me. 

Kent 

That's absurd. Why should she tell you? It isn't 
true. No. No. It can't be true. 

Dora 
Go to her; she loves you. 

Kent 
(Dismissing it) 
I've had enough of love and lies. There's noth- 
ing more to say. (Goes to the door) I'll leave the 
house to-night and go to Rosemoor ; later you and I can 
arrange matters quietly. 

Dora 
(With a sharp cry) 
And what's to become of me? 

Kent 
(Bitterly) 
Now you can go to the man you love! 

(He goes out. She stands stunned and silent.) 

Curtain 



THE THIRD ACT 



THE THIRD ACT 

The study in Julia Deering's apartment. The 
same evening: later. 

The room, which is shallow and intimate, is soft 
in tone. The fireplace at the left contains a blazing 
log which casts its wavering light upon a deep leather 
couch stretched cata-cornered before it. Several long 
cathedral candles, in esthetic holders, are also lighted, 
and one notices a work-table near the center, upon 
which are a writer's usual assortment of disordered 
letters and manuscripts. There are several chairs, of 
varying designs, about this. Above it hangs a soft 
shaded light-cluster which, when the curtain lifts, is 
turned out. Several old engravings are seen, other- 
wise the walls seem to melt away in the shadows. The 
floor is covered with a thick Oriental rug. The room, 
somehow, suggests Julia — with its faintly insinuat- 
ing appeal to sensation. 

The general entrance is in the right upper corner 
of the irregularly cut room. This door opens out upon 
the hallway which leads to the rest of the apartment. 
A window, now curtained, with some low book-cases 
on either side, is in the back. The electric switch is 
by the fireplace. 

There is no one visible when the curtain rises. 
Some moments later Julia opens the door and comes 
in, followed by Porter, who is eyeing her furtively. 
121 



122 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

She wears a loose informal gown; he is in dinner-coat. 
She goes towards the fire and sits upon the couch. 

Julia 
The cigarettes are there, Tom. 

Porter 
Have one? 

Julia 
( Taking it) 
Try one of mine. They're a new brand, Russian. 
Safonoff sent them to me. 

Porter 
{As he lights her cigarette) 
No ; I'll stick by my own. 

Julia 
{After a pause, as he gazes at her blowing rings) 
I love to watch the smoke. 

Porter 
I love to watch you watch it. 

{A Maid enters with coffee cups on tray which 
she places near Julia. She fills them with 
steaming coffee; hands one to Julia and offers 
the other to Porter, who takes it. She then 
goes to switch on the light.) 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 123 

Julia 

Don't turn up the lights yet. (Maid goes out.) 
I'm so fond of shadows. Aren't you, Tom? 

Porter 
Depends on whom I happen to be with. 

Julia 
Oh, I forgot your sugar. 

Porter 
{Refusing it) 
Doctor's orders; getting old, Julia. 

Julia 
You'll always be the same to me. 

Porter 
{Bantering throughout) 
Sounds discouraging already. 

Julia 

Discouraging? You didn't intend to ask me to 
marry you again? 

Porter 
You haven't married me once yet. 



i2 4 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 



I'm a better friend. 



I like adventure. 



Porter 



Julia 
I thought you were seeking peace and quiet. 

Porter 

No; I'm seeking a wife. They're not necessarily 
synonymous. 

Julia 
But peace and quiet only can come with love, n'est- 
ce pas? 

Porter 

Nonsense. There's nothing reasoning or reasonable 
about love. It drags people together who'd be much 
better apart. It frequently pulls one away from two 
and makes sixes or sevens. It steals like a sneak thief 
where it shouldn't go and dodges the vacuums where 
it would be welcome. Love sometimes raises a family, 
Julia — {Mock confidentially) — but more often it raises 
the devil. And when our law-makers are trying to pin 
it down, it only laughs at them. Why don't these anti- 
divorcers and preachers and professional moralists stop 
chiding the poor creatures in love and try to devise some 
apparatus to steer the pesky thing right? I'll patent it 
and give it to humanity without royalty. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 125 

Julia 
{Amused) 
Tom, I know just where I can use that idea in my 
new novel. 

Porter 
I forbid it unless you'll marry me. 

Julia 
(She shakes her head) 
Take another cigarette instead. 

Porter 

Hardly a substitute. — I'll stop making love if you 
won't go abroad. You know, I don't like the idea of 
getting plastery picture postal cards of Corfu in the 
moonlight. 

Julia 
(Musing) 
You want to marry me. I wonder what would hap- 
pen if / had what I sought most? 

Porter 
(Dryly) 
You spend too much time anticipating your emo- 
tions. When they come, you have already lived through 
them. The experience itself never can equal such 
anticipation. 



126 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
The penalty of all writers. 

Porter 

Why, you've got everything now: money, beauty, 
temperament, reputation; everything you should have. 

Julia 
But a husband? 

Porter 
I offer to supply the deficiency. 

Julia 

I'd make you miserable. Tom, why didn't you fall 
in love with some sweet young woman with pretty 
pink ribbons and pussy-cat ways? 

Porter 

I did. But she refused me; fortunately. {Whim- 
sically exaggerating) Come to think of it, I guess I've 
gone through the entire repertoire. Every time an 
adorable woman broke my heart I read the history of 
some foreign country to restore me to my proper place 
in the universe. When we suffer we're so self-centered. 
I've only got Persia left. {Sighing) Please save me 
from Persia. I hate the Shahs with their sneezable 
names. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 127 

Julia 
{Smiling) 
You'd forget me, as you have the others. 

Porter 

This is my finish — after Persia. {With his real 
feeling escaping for the first time) Why, dear Julia; 
don't you suppose I know how foolish it is of me ask- 
ing you? You were made for the men who could 
shoot you to the stars and whirl you till you were dizzy 
in their dust, and all that literary sort of stuff. But 
you'll not be happy that way. I'm not much on star 
dust. Then I'm not young any more. Oh, I acknowl- 
edge it officially. I'm only one of the wanderers on 
the streets below with a hand waiting to help a woman 
just a little now and then. {Taking her hand) I 
know it's foolish, but I'd like to see some quiet come 
into that restless soul of yours; I'd like to make you — 
quietly happy. That's all. 

Julia 

Quietly happy! {With deep feeling) Don't go out 
of my life ; I need you ' just around the corner ' as 
you said to Dora ; for I'm a miserable woman at times, 
struggling with impulses which drive women like me 
to — . But you steady me. You're a sort of habit. 
I need you. I'd have tried to take much I had no right 
to if you hadn't been here. {Impetuously as she thinks 
of Wallace) I would now if — . I tell you, there's 
a courage that accepts but a greater courage that dares. 



128 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 

(Not understanding) 
Julia! 

Julia 

(Dismissing it) 

Ah, je suis egaree! 

Porter 
Don't know what it is, but you've got it. 

Julia 
(Laughing again as her mood changes) 
Forgive me. Don't say anything more of love; but 
be just around the corner. 

Porter 
(Resigned) 
You can do the Rock of Ages act all over me. Grab 
hold any time; I'll let you cling and won't call for 
help. 

Julia 
Tom, I could kiss you. 

Porter 
But something always happens to prevent. (Maid 
knocks and enters.) Didn't I tell you? 

Maid 
I beg pardon. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 129 

Julia 
What is it ? 

Maid 

I forgot to say Mrs. Kent telephoned ten minutes 
ago that she was on her way over to see you. 

Julia 
(Surprised) 



Mrs. Kent? 
Yes, ma'am. 



Maid 



Julia 

Let her come right in here. 

(Maid goes out. Julia, somewhat puzzled 
by this announcement, goes slowly to the lights 
and switches them on. Porter gazes at her a 
few seconds, gives a little sigh as though realiz- 
ing the uselessness of further words. Then he 
looks at his watch.) 

Porter 

Goodness, I must trot along. Promised to drop in 
on Armor. I've got a warm place in my heart for 
that brother of yours. I'll leave you and Dora here to 
pow-wow. 

Julia 

I wonder why Dora's coming to see me? 



130 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 
Perhaps Wallace had to go to his office. He's got 
that very important case on. 

Julia 

(As she abstractedly puts out the candles) 
But don't you remember ? He said he was going off 
this evening by himself to Rosemoor. 

Porter 

Oh, yes; that's so. Think I'll get a bungalow like 
that when you've gone. 

Julia 
Rosemoor! It's such a pretty name. 

Porter 

Wallace has a lot of sentiment down deep which 
law books haven't killed. If you'd see that view over 
the valley and not a soul to share it with him. 

Julia 

(Wistfully) 
I've always thought I'd like to see it before I went 
away. 

Porter 

But he plays the primitive there and keeps house 
himself. It takes a touch of poetry these days to get 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 131 

away from people and 'phones. — Well, I must be going. 
Tell Dora I couldn't wait. 

Julia 

Tom, I've been waiting for you to tell me what 
happened between Fred and Dora. 

Porter 

Dora can tell that better. Perhaps that's why she's 
coming over. 

Julia 

Fred's gone away? 

Porter 
Yes ; he sailed at noon. 

Julia 
{Puzzled) 
But how did she make him go? 

Porter 

{Smiling) 

Some day, I'll let you know — if she doesn't. 

(Dora enters. She is simply dressed and wears 
a scarf over her head. She is very calm and 
deliberate throughout with a certain firm 
strength. They greet, and Porter takes off 
her cloak, throwing it on chair.) 



132 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
Come near the fire, Dora; the nights are still chilly. 
(Julia crosses to fire with Dora) I'll send for some 
hot coffee. 

Dora 

No; thanks. 

Porter 
Sorry I was just running off. 

Dora 
Must you? 

Julia 

Tom's going to see Armor. 

Dora 
Then take my taxi, Tom. But send it right back. 
I'll only be here a few moments. 

(Julia looks surprised.) 

Porter 
Thanks. Any messages for Armor? 

Dora 
Tell him I'm glad he's going to conduct the C. N. Y. 
case. 

Porter 
{Deeply pleased) 
I knew Wallace would do what was right by him. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 133 

Dora 
Yes; he does what he sees is right, too. 

Porter 

{Quietly to Dora as Julia has crossed to desk for 

some letters) 

Was worried this afternoon. Good-bye, little girl. 

Dora 
You've told Julia about Fred? 

Porter 
Only that he's gone away. 

Dora 

I want you to come around in the morning. I need 
some advice about a trip I'm going to take. 

Porter 

{Surprised) 
Certainly. 

Julia 

{Handing him some letters) 
Tom, will you mail these? Please don't forget 
them. One is about my passport. 



134 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 
{Taking them) 
The instrument of my own destruction, eh? {Look- 
ing at it) Sort of Greek irony. But don't worry, I'll 
mail it. Bye-bye. Rock of Ages any time you're will- 
ing. See you to-morrow, Dora. Bye-bye. 

{He goes out. Julia follows him off a second. 
They are heard talking. Dora is left alone. 
She relaxes a moment as though feeling she has 
not the strength to go through what she has 
apparently determined upon. Her eyes fall 
upon Kent's photograph, which is with some 
others on mantel. She takes it down and smiles 
at it enigmatically, replacing it as Julia re- 
turns. She assumes a steely exterior as Julia, 
obviously sensing a deep reason for Dora's 
coming, closes the door and comes down. 
There is a pause.) 

Dora 
Wallace has not been here? 

Julia 

{Surprised) 
Why, no. 

Dora 

He wrote some letters but went out before I did. I 
thought 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 135 

Julia 

Wallace went to Rosemoor, didn't he? 

Dora 
Oh, yes; perhaps. 

Julia 
How did you think he'd be here? 

Dora 
Because I told him to go to you. 

Julia 
You told him to see me? What about? 

Dora 
Julia, he and I have gone on the rocks at last. 

Julia 
I don't understand. 

Dora 
It's very simple. It's all over between us. 

Julia 
{Hardly grasping the significance) 
What do you mean? 



136 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
He doesn't love me. 

Julia 

What are you saying? 

Dora 
He has ceased to love me. 

Julia 
{With mingled emotions) 
Then — then you are going to Fred? 

Dora 

{With a bitter laugh) 
Going to Fred? That's over, too. 

Julia 
{Eyeing Dora) 
But why did you send Wallace here? 

Dora 

Because I am going to leave him. (Julia gazes in- 
credulously) You said you'd like to have had a chance 
for happiness. I give you more than a chance. When 
he and I came to talk it all over {With difficulty) 
I found it — it was you he cared for. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 137 

Julia 
Me? 

Dora 
Yes. 

Julia 
Wallace cares for me? 

Dora 
Yes; and he knows you love him. 

Julia 
You told him that? 

* Dora 

(Fir?nly) 
Yes : you both must not miss your happiness. 

Julia 
It isn't so; it can't be so. 

Dora 
Would I lie to you now after our talk yesterday? 

Julia 

Wallace loves me! He loves me — me! 

(Julia sinks down in the chair, half dazed. 
Dora stands watching her without emotion. 
Julia slowly recovers; there is a long silence 



138 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

then she gradually looks at Dora with a new 
thought.) 
And you? What are you going to do? 

Dora 

I told you. I'm going to leave Wallace. {Bitterly) 
He said I should go to the man I love. 

Julia 

He knows about Fred? 

Dora 

Yes. But he thinks I love Fred and that I am going 
to him. Wallace must always believe that. 

Julia 
But that's a lie. 

Dora 
Isn't it better to lie if it will bring you happiness ? 

Julia 

You believe the truth might separate him and me? 
You think if he should know you do not love Fred 

Dora 

I don't wish him to have any thought of me. {Bit- 
terly) Even men pity sometimes. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 139 

Julia 

{Incredulously) 
And you can ask me to keep a secret like that? 

Dora 
Most women keep secrets from the men they love. 

Julia 
{Determined) 
No ; he must know the facts. 

Dora 

But his happiness lies in your silence about Fred 
and me. 

Julia 

{Pointedly) 
And what of my happiness ? You've put a fear in it. 
You've settled your own lives but I'm the factor you 
don't seem to have considered. {Resolutely) No; he 
must understand about you first, or I'd always be ask- 
ing myself afterwards what would Wallace have done 
if he'd known the truth? Would he have left Dora 
alone f — No, no, I can't. 

Dora 
{Coldly) 
You must not think of me. 



i 4 o THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
But I do, Dora. I could never forget you. I'd al- 
ways see you alone. 

Dora 
I've always been helpless Dora to you, haven't I? 
Just because I wasn't practical, as you called it. But 
I did what I thought was the greatest thing a woman 
could for her husband; yet in his wounded pride he 
thought I should have gone to Fred. Oh, not from 
any generosity on his part; but because I had stood 
between you and him. (Julia surprised) He didn't 
realize it himself, perhaps; but / won't be in the way 
any longer. Never — never could I live with him after 
what he said to me. I'm leaving him for good. I 
would even if you were not concerned. That's why 
I've come to ask you to be silent about Fred and me. 

Julia 
The lie of silence ! 

Dora 
Julia. Be fair to him. I gave him his chance by 
telling him you love him. You mustn't rob him of it. 
You love him, don't you? (Julia bows her head) 
Then make him happy! 

Julia 
{Rising quickly) 
How did this all so suddenly come about? {Going 
to her) Dora, was it because I told you what he meant 
to me? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 141 

Dora 
{Confused a second at the abruptness) 
No. 

Julia 
Nothing he did or said about me? 

Dora 
No; nothing he said about you. 

Julia 
It wasn't I who came between you ? 

Dora 

{Evasively) 
No ; it simply happened. We were talking. How are 
things ever discovered? Time found us out. Time's 
a rummager, isn't it? See how it found out you two 
loved each other. 

Julia 

{Half to herself as she sits down still unable to grasp 
the fact) 
That we two love each other! 

Dora 

{Earnestly) 
Before I go; before you see him; say you will be 
silent about Fred. (Julia hesitates) Think, Julia, 
of Wallace. Don't you see it's best he should believe 



i 4 2 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

me happy. Make it easier for him and I'll simply step 
aside. Come, Julia, say you will. It's not a falsehood 
I ask; it's only silence. 

Julia 

Silence can be so cowardly. (Hesitates) Yet — I — 



Dora 

But you two love each other. It's / now who asks 
love to take its right — since I made such a mess of mine. 
(Julia bows her head. Dora looks at her and sees 
she has practically consented.) I wish him to be happy 
more than anything else in the world. 

Julia 

(Quickly) 
Dora! You love him! 

Dora 

No, no, no ! He killed everything in me. I'll prove 
it when the time comes. 

Julia 

(Stands confused) 
You love him! 

Dora 

No. 

(A knock is heard on the door.) 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 143 

Julia 
What is it ? 

(Maid opens the door.) 

Maid 
Mr. Kent is here. 

{There is a tense moment. Julia looks in- 
quiringly at Dora, who quickly decides what 
to do.) 

Dora 

{Calmly) 
Let him come in, Julia. 

Julia 

{Confused) 
But 

Dora 

{Firmly) 
We three must understand one another. 

Julia 
{Trying to gain composure) 
Ask Mr. Kent to come in. Put a log there. 

(Maid goes over to fire and puts on another 
log which blazes cheerfully. They half watch 
her during the ominous silence.) 
Tell Mr. Kent that Mrs. Kent is here with me. I 



144 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

sha'n't need you any more to-night. (Maid goes out, 
leaving the door open) It's best Wallace knows you 
are rure. 

Dora 

He will not go away. And he will want you to 
know I do not love him. (She stands by fire warming 
her hands) The fire is good. 



Julia 

I'm burning. (Turning away; half to herself) 
What shall I do? (After a pause) And this is Dora. 

Dora 

(Simply) 
One changes. 

( There is a further silence till Kent enters 

slowly as though the fact that Dora is there 

has made him hesitate. He closes the door and 

stands looking at the two women. He cannot 

conceal entirely the bitterness of the previous 

scene with his wife.) 

Again, it's a bit ironical, isn't it, Wallace? (He is 

silent) But there need be no embarrassment on my 

account. 

Kent 

I came to say good-bye to Julia. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 145 

Dora 
I knew you would come. 

Kent 
And your reason for being here? 

Dora 
To tell her what she means to you. 

Kent 
{Emphatically) 
I did not come to talk of that. 

Dora 
When I told you she loved you, you said it wasn't 
true. Ask her now. 

Kent 

Believe me, Julia, I did not come to ask any ques- 
tions; as you shall see before I go. 

Dora 

Ask her. I want everything clearly understood. 
(Kent in silence, looks towards Julia, who sinks into 
the chair, burying her face in her hands) You see, 
Wallace. 

Kent 
Well, Dora, is that all? 



146 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
No. I'm thinking we'd best talk the matter over 
quietly. 

Kent 
Here? 

Dora 
Why not? It would have to be some time and now 
it will be finished sooner. There must be no skeins 
to unravel later among us there; we must understand 
one another now. Won't you sit down, Wallace ? 

(Kent hesitates, but seeing the cold determina- 
tion in Dora's manner, he goes slowly to the 
other side of the table. After glancing at 
Julia, who is in the deep chair gazing tensely 
before her, he draws back the chair and sits 
upon it. After this is done, Dora goes to the 
other chair back of table, between them. The 
light from the lamp falls upon the three.) 
Wallace, Julia knows that you and I have gone on 
the rocks. 

Kent 

(Referring to the political deal) 
Is that all you've told her? 

Dora 
Yes. 

Kent 
(Significantly) 
Nothing else, Julia? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 147 

Dora 
(Quickly) 
You doubt my word? 

Julia 
(Looking up suspiciously) 
What else was there I should know? 

Dora 

( Clearly ) 
Nothing. 

Kent 
Then you had no other reason for coming? 

Dora 

(Firmly) 

Yes : I came to tell Julia that I was going to the man 
I love, so that you and she should face the future with- 
out thought of me — together. 

Kent 
(Sarcastically) 
I could have told her that, if ever the time should 



148 the road together 

Dora 

I It was right / should do that much for her, since I 
am going to be happy, too. 

Kent 
Happy? You're sure of that, eh? 

Dora 

Would your vanity desire me to suffer in losing 
you? You've shown me once today that pride is as 
deep and cruel as love. 

Kent 

I was harsh, perhaps; but 



Dora 

Don't have any regret now. I have none, at leav- 
ing you. {He winces) But I desire Julia to under- 
stand how far you and I are apart. 

Kent 
{Bitterly) 
Is that all you have to say ? 

Dora 

{Concealing from them her suffering) 
No. I have a further word to add to my confes- 
sion. It wasn't really the thought of you and your 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 149 

career that made me stay with you, as I said. I stayed 
because I hadn't the courage to go through all that was 
necessary. I stayed, like so many other wives, because 
it was easier. 

Kent 
{Disgusted) 
That destroys everything between us. 



I meant it to. 



Dora 

(She rises and turns away.) 



Kent 
(Coldly) 
There will be essential affairs to talk over. 

Dora 
When you come back from Rosemoor will be time 
enough. Now I'm through here. 

Kent 
(Coldly) 
What do you intend to do? 

Dora 
I shall go West to my cousin. I'll stay the requisite 
time for the divorce. Perhaps Tom will advise me. 
We'll both go through the usual mockery: desertion and 
all that. Then life will begin again. 



150 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
{Cut, but puzzled by her manner) 
After all these years, you can say only that? 

(Julia looks up slowly and inquiringly at him 
as though wondering whether he has feeling for 
Dora. Over Dora's face there is a momentary 
glance of tenderness which, under Julia's in- 
quiring look, assumes coldness as before.) 

Dora 

Yes, Wallace. I'm glad it's over. That's all there 
is left. Good-bye. 

(She picks up her long scarf, puts it about her.) 

Kent 

(Abruptly) 

And Gilmore? You didn't tell Julia about ? 

Dora 
(Quickly) 
No, Wallace. Let that be between us. 

Kent 
(Scornfully) 



More lies! 



Lies? 



Julia 

(Starting up) 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 151 

Kent 
Yes. Rotten lies. 

Dora 

(Nervously) 
Wallace ! 

Kent 
I said I didn't come here to talk of love. I came for 
only one purpose: to tell Julia about Gilmore and 
Tainter, and what had happened between us. 

Dora 

Why say anything? 

Julia 
(Quickly j rising) 
Then there was something that brought about the 
break between you? 

Dora 
I told you everything, Julia. 

Julia 

You told me nothing. 

Dora 
But it hadn't anything to do with you. 

Kent 
No. It was something wrong with me. I've writ- 
ten my resignation, Julia. My career is done, finished, 
thrown aside. 



152 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
(Quickly) 
You feared some scandal would result in coming to 
me as Dora once feared it in going to ? 

Dora 
(Confused at new turn of situation) 
No! No! Nothing like that. 

Julia 

It was something to do with me. I came between 
you. 

Kent 
(Sarcastically) 
I gave it all up for Dora's justification. 

Julia 

(Recalling) 
Justification ! 

Kent 

Tell her, Dora, I faced an alternative ; to stop meant 
financial ruin. 

Julia 
And you stopped? 

Kent 
Yes ; we are ruined, on the streets without a penny. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 153 

Julia 

(Astonished) 
Then Dora has nothing? 

Kent 
(Bitterly) 
You forget she has the other man! 

Julia 
(Starting to reveal the truth) 

But 

Dora 
(Stopping her) 
Hush ! Your happiness should be your first thought ! 

Julia 
(Hesitating) 
Oh! 

Kent 
You said, Dora, we were to talk it over calmly in 
order that Julia and I should start straight. I intend 
to see whether you and I, Julia, can ever start at all. 

Dora 
(Desperately trying to stop him) 
Wallace ! 

Julia 

Whether ? 



154 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 

(Bitterly to Dora) 

You came here tonight to arrange matters. Per- 
haps you didn't trust me. So tell her about Gilmore 
and all the rest. 

Dora 

Wallace, will you be silent about that? That's ours 
— ours. I have the right to ask some silence of our life 
together. 

Kent 

But first tell her I'm a crook; a bribe-taker; any- 
thing you choose to call it. 

Julia 
Wallace ! 

Dora 

(Noting Julia's reaction and defending him) 
That isn't so, Julia. 

Kent 

(Sarcastically) 

Tell her it's intention that makes crime. Tell her, 
as I was going to, that you discovered I wasn't quite 
the ideal man you thought me. Strip me to her as you 
stripped me to myself. Tell Julia all, so she may know 
how the crooked deal came out and with it the lies, 
the whole rotten lies we were all living. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 155 

Julia 

{Confused) 
Something crooked! 

Kent 
Yes. You'll have to know, Julia. I'll spare details 
now, but the fact is there. I want the decks cleared 
between you and me, and between me and myself. 

Dora 
No, no ; Julia, he's exaggerating. He didn't do any- 
thing dishonest. He was merely forced to consider it — 
was tempted. It was my fault; my extravagances. 
We needed money 

Kent 
Bah! I don't want that defense! 

Dora 
{Forcibly) 
But you didn't do anything wrong, did you? You 
didn't do it. 

Kent 

{Bitterly) 
Thanks to you, I didn't. 

Julia 

{Who has listened spellbound and is slowly grasping 
situation ) 
You stopped him, Dora? And it all came out? 



156 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

(Quickly) 

We talked it over as you will all the common prob- 
lems and difficulties when you are married. This 
mustn't come between you as it did between us. That's 
all. 

Kent 

(Emphatically and with sincerity) 

That's not all. I was going crooked, slipping into 
the very class of men it is my business to put behind 
the bars. I was weak, wabbly, and a coward; afraid 
to face myself with the truth till she toppled over our 
life together to make me see it. That's what I was. 
(Dora watches him with joy at his change) But I've 
got hold of myself in time. I must prove to myself by 
work and accomplishment that I did not need a 
woman's sacrifice. I must clean the rot and rust out 
of my life; my insincerities, self-deceptions, hypocrisies 
— all. I must build an honest foundation. I must 
take life by the throat and make it give me what I need. 
That's what I came to tell you, Julia; not to talk of 
love. 

Dora 

Don't be the fool you said I was. Don't cheat your- 
self and Julia by waiting. I'm not in the way now. 
I've done, finished. Julia, tell him you want him to 
stay. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 157 

Julia 

{Impulsively) 
Not till he also knows all the truth about Fred. 
Then he may choose. 

Dora 

{Frantically) 
Julia ! Julia ! 

Julia 
Maybe he won't want me when he knows. 

Kent 
{Not understanding) 
Won't have you? 

Dora 
Julia, you'll spoil everything. 

Julia 

Maybe he won't want me when he knows I tried to 
separate you, and failed — failed. Wallace, Dora does- 
n't love Fred. She's sent him away forever. She'll 
never marry him ; she's going through divorce only for 
us! She'll be alone, alone 

Kent 
Dora, alone! 



158 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
(Detecting the note of pity in his voice) 
You pity her, too! 

Kent 

(In spite of himself) 
Why didn't you tell me that? 

Dora 

(Defiantly) 

Why should I tell you? Why do you give me pity 
when you refused to accept mine? Is that your idea 
of me? Is that all you think / need? Can't I also 
stand alone, as you said you could have? Do you 
expect me to take your pity proudly and let it cheat 
love? Is that the sort of woman you think I am? 
It's you who are now insulting me. 

Julia 
(As she sees Kent stands spellbound eyeing Dora) 
She loves you, Wallace. She loves you. 

Dora 

(Desperately) 
After what he said? No! No! 

Julia 
Yes, yes! You want him to be happy above all 
things. That's love. You're breaking your heart to 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 159 

do it. Let's have the whole truth. Then he may 
choose. 

Kent 
Dora? 

Julia 

You love him. I see now you've always loved him. 

Dora 
(Fiercely) 
Well, what if it were true? What if I were break- 
ing my heart ? What if I do love him ? 

Kent 
Dora! 

Dora 
(Bitterly to Julia) 
What has that to do with you? 

Julia 

(Shuddering) 
I can't think of his leaving you alone now. I can't. 

Dora 
(Fervently throughout) 
Why not? Why not? Can't you take him on that 
basis ? 

Julia 
Oh! 



160 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

It was easy to believe love was everything until you 
had to make the choice. You blamed me for sending 
Fred away, but you hesitate to take your love and you 
deny Wallace the rights of his love. (Julia tries to 
stop her throughout) You called me a coward because 
I was true to what I thought was right when I felt 
there was something more in marriage than the mere 
passion that comes and goes and which we can't con- 
trol. You thought I should have gone to Fred and left 
my husband, only because you wanted him. I tell you 
there is nothing in the way now of his leaving me. 
You can go with him, and if you will not take what 
life has offered you, I will ask which of us two is the 
greater coward! 

Kent 
Dora, listen ! 

Dora 
{Turning to Kent) 
And you pity me now; you who also blamed me, and 
burned your words in my soul so I can never forget 
them. You also thought all the years together were 
as nothing; that only passion counted; not the hours 
we had served each other in sickness, not the joys and 
sorrows we had in common, not all that I shared 
and sacrificed to make your career possible. They 
meant nothing, because you couldn't understand the 
difference between a theory of life and what actually 
was. You swept all away since I wounded your pride 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 161 

by telling you another man had caught for a moment 
my imagination when we were careless and unwatch- 
ful; and yet because I continued to live with you, and 
thought you had the greater claim, you called me 
wanton. 

Julia 
{Sinking in chair and covering her face) 
Oh! 

Kent 
Dora, for God's sake, stop! 

Dora 

Yes, wanton! Because I took your pretty things, 
your food and lodging and gave myself in return. 
Yes, those were your very words. You measured me 
and what I gave by the standards of street women; 
you forgot what I was willing to give to you ; forgot I 
was faithful, forgot everything. — I tried to keep all 
this back, but now you know all the facts; everything 
is unravelled; there are no secrets. Throw me aside 
now, Wallace, as Julia thought I should have thrown 
you aside. Take her, as you said I should have taken 
my ' poor weak fool.' I've done everything I could 
to give you your chance for happiness together, as you 
said you would have given me. Don't do as I did : sac- 
rifice and pity; or Julia will despise you as she always 
has me in her heart for what I chose. Do everything 
from now on as you both thought / should have done 
when I faced the same situation you now face. I'll 



1 62 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

never interfere with whatever you choose to take of 
life together before I am free. Take everything! 
(Slowly) If you can. — If you can! 

(She goes out, closing the doors. Then Julia 
and Wallace turn and gaze at each other in 
question.) 

Curtain 



THE FOURTH ACT 



THE FOURTH ACT 

The same as the First Act. . . . A morning ten days 
later. 

The room is now dismantled and everything is ready 
to be moved out. Barrels, boxes, and packing-baskets 
have taken the place of the furniture. The window-cur- 
tains, through which Dora has gazed so often in all the 
varying moods of her marriage, are down — -even the 
brass-poles and brackets have been removed; nothing 
veils the view to the clear skies without. Faint oblong 
shadows, where once the pictures hung, are seen upon 
the cold and distant walls. Those who had known the 
room would sense the subtle atmosphere of protest 
which inevitably comes with the wrenching of material 
things from their human relationship. It is only the 
silver loving-cup, upon the piano, which seems to have 
escaped the desecrating hand. No longer does one 
view a home; it is just a place where people still linger. 
Yet, somehow, it is a symbol; a visible statement of 
what happens in the universal rhythms of life, where 
only through the breaking-up of the old can one move 
on to new adjustments. 

Dora enters, simply dressed. There is quiet sad- 
ness in her manner cloaked by an obstinate resolve. 
She looks about as though recording the new desola- 
tion; but controls herself. Then she goes to the fold- 
ing-doors, which, as she opens them, expose the other 

165 



166 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

room in the same condition, with some packers, super- 
intended by Woods, methodically finishing their task. 

Dora 
Woods. (He comes down, closing the doors again) 
Is everything packed? 

Woods 
They begin moving out shortly. 

Dora 
I hope they've been careful. 

Woods 
They know people may use the furniture again in 
time. 

Dora 

(Evasively) 
We're only going to store it over the summer. Has 
Mr. Kent 'phoned? 

Woods 
No, Mrs. Kent. 

Dora 
(Protecting him) 
He's fortunate to miss this. 

W t oods 
I've seen to everything myself. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 167 

Dora 
You've been very good and faithful. You know 
I'd have been lost without you. 

Woods 
{Venturing) 
One learns a lot about people in ten years. 

Dora 
Ten years! So it is. — I'm sorry to lose you. 

Woods 
My profession is not a permanent one. 

Dora 
I wish we could have made it so. Mr. Porter says 
he will place you ; so you will lose nothing. 

Woods 
Thank you. {Significantly) And your room up- 
stairs? 

Dora 
We'll leave that till the last. Mr. Kent would 
wish it. 

Woods 
{Looking about) 
It isn't easy to move after ten years; so much rub- 
bish collects in a house ; one never suspects how it gets 
there. 



1 68 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
Yes; lots of rubbish. 

Woods 
It's only when we tear up we really know what we 
have and what we haven't. 

Dora 

That's true, Woods. 

Woods 
I beg your pardon — (She turns) — but I did not 
know whether you'd wish that loving-cup packed. I 
remembered your wedding anniversary comes next 
week. 

(She looks at it standing forlornly on the 
piano. He glances at her and she is silent. 
He bows and goes out. It has seemed as 
though } for a moment, they had met' and subtly 
understood each other. 

She moves toward the loving-cup, puts her 
hand on it half -affectionately and full of impli- 
cation. Then she shrugs her shoulders, trying 
to shake off the memories it recalls. 

Porter enters. He is very cheerful on the 
surface but there is an underlying strain of the 
situation.) 

Dora 
Tom, I'm glad you've come. I was lonely. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 169 

Porter 



Everything ready? 



Almost. 



Dora 



Porter 
That's good. I've been busy getting matters in 
order for you. {He sits on a box, and takes a lot of 
papers out of pocket) I went first to the Trust Com- 
pany and find you can have your income sent you in 
monthly installments instead of semi-annually. 

Dora 

That's better. {Smiling) Now, I'll be poor only a 
few weeks each month. 

Porter 
Then I went to the lawyers'. 

Dora 
You didn't ? 

Porter 

Mention any names? Oh, no. So I suppose they 
thought I was in love with a married woman. 

Dora 

Imagine you. 



170 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 

I was once — but only once. It's a troublesome lux- 
ury. — I find you'll need to go West ; rent a house or a 
flat. Stay six months. Of course, you can travel 
while you're staying there. It's all here. {Leaves 
papers on box) You can read them later. 

Dora 

{Wistfully) 
How do I get there? 

Porter 

Got the time-tables. ( Takes out four colored time- 
tables which he also leaves upon box) Four routes; 
take whichever color looks prettiest. 

Dora 

{Absently) 
I've never been so far alone before. {Pauses) 
What about this house? 

Porter 

That's all fixed. Quite unexpectedly got somebody 
to sub-let it and turn it into a store. 

Dora 

{Half shuddering) 
What kind of a store ? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 171 

Porter 
Women's garments; you know, with lace on the 
pretty things that aren't seen. 

Dora 
{With a faint j ironical smile) 
Pretty things? I wish it had been something else. 
— You have looked after everything, Tom. 

Porter 
Had to, since you threatened to do it yourself. 
{Absently) You never will learn. 

Dora 

{Hopelessly) 
Won't I? 

Porter 

{Affectionately) 

Not as an expert, I mean. But just call on me. 

Dora 
How can I always do that? 

Porter 
I haven't anybody now myself and 



Dora 

{Affectionately) 
You're a little friend of the whole world. 



172 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 

Truck and nonsense. Dora, this has sort of 
knocked me out, too. But I like to keep busy. I'm 
lonely myself, at times. But one's never too lonely if 
he's working for the happiness of what lies nearest. So 
I'm not doing this only for you; but for her also. 
She'd wish it. 

Dora 
Julia is a fine woman. 

Porter 

How she and Wallace! {With a sigh) Well, no 
wonder she wouldn't marry an old duffer like me. 
(She takes his hand affectionately) So, little girl, 
we've got to help each other, you and I. We're left 
behind. They're not going to see sad, weepy faces if 
they look back, are they ? We're going to buck up and 
show them we're game. I'll have you to look after, if 
you'll let me be ' just around the corner.' That's what 
Julia said. But she doesn't need me and you do a bit, 
eh? Guess I need somebody to look after, too. No 
sad faces, eh? We're game, eh? 

Dora 
It hurts, doesn't it? 

Porter 
I've had pleasanter sensations. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 173 

Dora 
But you think I've done right? 

Porter 

(Slowly) 
Whoever knows what is right? The answer always 
lies so many years ahead. 

Dora 

That's so, Tom. Yet there are many people who 
are always ready to blame and judge others. They 
forget every one marries to be happy, but no one can 
ever tell what the future holds. (Smiles faintly) I'm 
beginning to think husbands and wives should have a 
lot of sympathy for each other when things go wrong ; 
but most of them have only bitterness. And I'm like 
the rest. 

Porter 

If I only could get that patent to steer love right! 
Here we all are. We're pretty decent people — at least, 
we all had good intentions. Yet look how love has 
tangled us all up, and not one of us really at fault. 

Dora 

I thought I was somebody of importance to both 
Fred and Wallace. I was mistaken. Each would 
have been what he is without me. Yet I must have 
hindered Wallace instead of helping him. 



174 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 
Nonsense, Dora. 

Dora 

Why, look how dependent I am even on you. It's 
easy to say you can live alone and all that. It's so dif- 
ferent when you're suddenly face to face with your- 
self. I never realized before how absolutely helpless 
I was about these practical matters. Wallace always 
tended to everything. {Almost shyly) I've felt so lost 
these last days. I miss his being around. I'd grown 
so used to turning to him. I haven't shed a tear, but I 
catch my breath when I realize I've got to be all alone 
now. — What is it, Tom, that makes me feel so all 
alone ? 

Porter 
Let's call it habit, my dear ; the habit of ten years. 

Dora 
I've been hunting the word; habit, that's it. 

Porter 

It's stronger than love sometimes and gains its pur- 
pose just as effectively. 

(Woods enters.) 

Woods 
Mr. Deering is here. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 175 

Dora 
(Assents and Woods goes out) 

I promised Armor he should have some of the cut 
glass and 

Porter 
Funny where Julia is. Perhaps he knows. 

Dora 

(Betraying nothing) 
Perhaps. 

Porter 
Another of her sudden impulses, I suppose: to take 
a wild motor trip at this time. 

Dora 
(Probing) 
You've not heard from her ? 

Porter 
I've received a half-dozen postal cards mailed from 
different parts of the state. 

Dora 
(Puzzled) 
Different parts of ? 

Porter 
Suppose she wishes me to get used to the postal-card 
habit. When's Wallace coming back from Rosemoor? 



176 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
I don't know. I've told no one where he is. He 
hasn't 'phoned. 

(Dora is apparently puzzled. Armor Deer- 
ing comes in, very cheerful. They exchange 
greetings. ) 

Deering 
{Looking about room) 
Whew! 

Dora 
I'll show you what I have. 

Deering 
I came ahead; I'm on my way down to the steamer. 
Can't I look over the things later? 

Porter 
Steamer ? 

Dora 
It won't take a moment. 

Porter 

Which steamer? 

Deering 
Julia's, of course. (Porter and Dora exchange 
glances) Yes. Julia blew in on me last night. 
Threw her arms around me and wept. And then 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 177 

said she was sailing at noon. I thought her trip was 
all up, motoring more than a week before she started; 
so I went around with her. She hasn't packed a 
blessed thing; said she'd forgotten it. Guess it's some 
more temperament. 

Porter 

{Thoughtfully) 
So she is sailing. 

Deering 
{Surprised) 
Didn't she tell you? 

Porter 
Got the days mixed. 

Dora 
{Going up) 
If you'll come now. 

Deering 
Sure I'm not stealing from you? 

Dora 
Not at all. 

{She is seen in back among things.) 



178 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Deering 

Don't know how we're going to live up to our wed- 
ding presents on my income. 

Porter 
You've done those Railroad fellows, eh? 

Deering 

Yes. When they saw the evidence I had, they had 
to agree to plead guilty in a lower degree. 

Porter 
{Enthusiastically ) 
And all on your own hook, too. 

Deering 
I can't understand Mr. Kent not appearing. 

Porter 
Wished you to get the limelight. 

Deering 
{Modestly) 
It isn't good for a young man's eyes. 

Porter 
Give me your hand. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 179 

Deering 
It's been hammered to pieces nailing their lies. 

Porter 

It's only the beginning with you, my boy. (Affec- 
tionately) Go straight! 

Deering 

I must: to show Mr. Kent how much I appreciate 
what he's done for me. When will he be back ? 

Porter 
When this moving is over. 

Deering 
(Looking about) 
Say, moving must be 



It is. 



Armor ! 



Porter 

Dora 
(In back) 



Deering 
(Smiling) 
Ought to get married, Mr. Porter, really you ought. 
(Deering goes up with Dora and then they 
pass out of vision.) 



180 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 
Can't understand why everybody wants to marry the 
bachelors off. (Looks about the room) Too bad! 
After ten years. 

(Kent enters quietly. He is worn. He looks 
about and controls himself. Porter turns; they 
see each other; he pulls the door to and comes 
down.) 
Dora has told me. 

Kent 
Then there's nothing to be said. 

Porter 
Between men who love the same woman? 

Kent 
Fire away. 

Porter 

It's not much. I'm the outsider. But the devotion 
of years may claim the right to ask something of you. 

Kent 
Anything, of course, Tom. 

Porter 

Make and keep Julia happy; else, don't do it, don't! 
She is a woman in a thousand. She'll demand a lot. 
Be sure you have it to give. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 181 

Kent 
{He turns away enigmatically) 
And Dora? 

Porter 
I'll always look after her. 

Kent 
{Moved) 
Tom, I haven't been decent to you. 

Porter 
( Whimsically ) 
How could you be when you thought Julia loved me ? 

Kent 

{Referring to room) 
And all this ? 

Porter 
Dora couldn't have done this alone. 

Kent 
It was not your place. 

Porter 
{With gentle reproach) 
That's what I thought ; but you were at Rosemoor. 

Kent 
I was trying to solve a problem. 



182 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Porter 
Dora has worked out hers. 

Kent 
She hasn't a regret? 

Porter 
She hasn't shed a tear — that we've seen. 

Kent 
{Noticing time-tables) 
She's going West? 

Porter 

Immediately. You'll see that your end is done. Ac- 
cept service and better be represented by counsel. 
Saves future complications if there ever should be 
children. 

Kent 

Children! (As though to himself) I wonder how it 

would have been if Dora and I had ? (He puts 

the thought aside) She's going to take that trip alone? 

Porter 

Got word to-day that some mining interests would 
need my attention for six or seven months, so I 
thought (Kent puts his hands impulsively on 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 183 

Porter's shoulders in thanks) Don't thank me. I've 
got a deal on that will clear up a small fortune. 

Kent 

Money! That's so. They've finished me, haven't 
they? 



Done up brown. 



Porter 



Kent 



Without a crust, eh ? 

Porter 

Well, quite by accident a little bit flew off in the 
baking. (Kent questions) I suspected trouble; so 
I got Biddle to let me in at a low price. I believe 
your brokers managed to save a few thousand for you. 
They'll keep silent, too. It will help you turn around. 
And, Wallace, I believe there's a chance for a little 
capital in this copper deal I'm 

Kent 
{With determination) 
No, Tom. I pay off every cent here: her debts and 
mine with what I can make in practice. Then I begin 
clean. 

Porter 
So law's cleaner than copper, eh? 



184 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 
The first step is to get this over. It's almost in- 
credible, after ten years. 

Porter 
(Quickly) 
Don't look back ; memories are nasty things to bring 
a second wife. 

Kent 

What makes you say that? 

Porter 
I never had one of those luxuries, but I know Julia. 

Kent 
Strange; you should say that, too. (He turns) 
Where's Dora? 

Porter 
With Armor ; he stopped on the way to see Julia off. 
(Closer) Do it decently. 

Kent 
(Evasively) 
I want to see Dora. I'll wait till we are alone. 

Porter 
(Puzzled) 
But what are your plans? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 185 

Kent 
I'll tell you later. 

Porter 
{Taking his hand) 
What's the trouble? 

Kent 

I'm suffering, Tom. 

(Kent controls himself and goes off quickly 
towards the library.) 

Porter 

Not happy with Julia in reach! The men are just 
as hard to understand as the women. 

(Deering re-enters, opening doors and talking 
cheerfully. Woods passes in back of them and 
goes to the main door. Dora also comes 
down.) 

Deering 

What's the matter, Mr. Porter? 

Porter 

Matter? Nothing. Don't ask any questions but 
when you get off by yourself will you swear for me ? 

Deering 

Certainly; I will now. 

(Woods re-enters.) 



1 86 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Woods 
Miss Deering. 

Deering 

{Looks at watch) 

I've got to hustle. 

(Julia enters, dressed for traveling. She, too, 
is halted by the appearance of the room. Her 
manner throughout is calm and firm in contrast 
to the previous act. Woods goes off in back, 
closing doors. Dora watches Julia.) 

Julia 
You're going to see me off, Tom? 

Porter 
One of the specialties I do best. 

Julia 
{Looking at Dora slowly) 
I've come to see Dora alone. 

Deering 
I'll go look after the trunks. 

Porter 
I'll go along with you. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 187 

Deering 

Do. Blew myself to a cab. See you later, Mrs. 
Kent. 

(He goes off. Julia detains Tom; Dora 
looks out of window.) 

Julia 

Tom, I've written you a long letter. (Takes it 
from her pocket-book and gives it to him) Will you 
read it to-night? 

Porter 
(Moved) 
I've always waited to be alone to read your letters. 

Julia 
This one will explain. 

Porter 

You need explain nothing. The world is full of 
people who are left behind. 

Julia 

But you see I haven't quite forgotten the Rock of 
Ages. 

Porter 

May I add some flowers to your luggage? 



188 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 

No, no. No flowers now. {Smiling sadly) It will 
never be good-bye between you and me. Just give me 
a handshake and some strength — for a little while. 

Porter 

Maybe I need all I have of that. I'm too old a dog 
to hope for myself. {Whimsically) I — I hope you 
will be very happy. 

Julia 

' Quietly happy,' you said. Yes, I shall be that in 
time, Tom. 

Porter 

I'll be back, Dora. Rock of Ages! Hump! Guess 
I'll incorporate myself and sell shares! 

{He goes out quickly, trying to conceal his emo- 
tion. The two women face each other. The 
following played very quietly.) 

Dora 
Julia, you're sailing alone? 

Julia 
Yes, alone. 

Dora 

It's best that Wallace sail later, of course. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 189 

Julia 
He won't follow me. 

Dora 
Then you find you don't love him enough? 



It isn't that. 


Julia 


But, Wallace? 


Dora 




Julia 


I have tried to 


make him understand. 




Dora 


I don't. Does he? 


Men see some 


Julia 
facts slowly. 




Dora 


It's because of 


me? 


Yes. 


Julia 




Dora 


It is useless. 


(Firmly) 



i go THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Julia 
That cannot alter me. 

Dora 

He knows my part in his life is finished. 

Julia 
Except what has been between you. 

Dora 

Ah! You feel that, too. {Poignantly) Isn't it in 
my power to give him happiness even through stepping 
aside ? 

Julia 
Can a mere word cut you out of his life? 

Dora 
You fill his heart. 

Julia 

Do I? A heart is such a little thing. It's I who 
wish him happiness, more than anything else in the 
world. 

Dora 

Away from you? 

Julia 

It could not be together. He may have a chance 
otherwise. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 191 

Dora 
{Firmly) 
He must live alone. 

Julia 

Better that than what would happen to me. I've 
learned much about myself and this problem of mar- 
riage in the hour since we three were together. I 
have gained a clear insight into what I must do. 

Dora 
Which is? 

Julia 
{Firmly) 
To leave him. 

Dora 

{Slowly) 
How calmly you say that. 

Julia 
There has been and will be enough of the other thing. 

Dora 

And this is Julia Deering! 

» 
Julia 
The real Julia. 



192 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
You're sacrificing the man you love uselessly. 

Julia 

No; if I were to marry him you'd be in the room 
watching. You would always be between us. He 
would never be entirely mine. You belong to one 
another. 

Dora 

By what right — now? 

Julia 
By the right of ten long years. 

Dora 
(Repeating) 

Ten long years. 

Julia 

Listen, Dora. Because he was unattainable he filled 
my thoughts; yet when he came to me I saw clearly 
what all the years of thought unconsciously had done. 
They had bound you to him in my eyes; always the 
thought of him had been also the thought of you, be- 
cause you two were man and wife and I was the out- 
sider. 

« 

Dora 

Not that, Julia, if he loved you. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 193 

Julia 
To think of Julia Deering ever seeing that pas- 
sion, after all, is only crisis — all crisis; but that the 
habit of living together becomes a state of mind. 

Dora 
{Half to herself) 
Habit! Tom said 

Julia 

Dora, I've lived with the thought of Wallace but 
you have lived with the man. You said it all that day 
in a few words. You've shared the daily habit of 
living; you've walked beside him; he's held your hand; 
you've eaten at the same table; moved in the same 
room; sat by each other's bed in illness and shared the 
hidden intimacies while I lay in the night alone. And 
then his work. I could never be part of that. It isn't 
my sort. This all means something more than what 
he and I may have felt for each other. 

Dora 
But aren't you big enough to forget all this ? 

Julia 

It isn't my jealousy that makes it impossible between 
Wallace and me. It's what you unconsciously made 
me realize: that there's a bond between you two; the 
bond of most nowaday marriages. It's not made by 
passion nor even complete understanding; but by habit , 



194 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

habit: that mechanical, ordinary, day-to-day, bond of 
marriage. 

Dora 

The daily habit of living! I thought only those 
who were married knew how strong that is. 

Julia 
I know it — now. 

Dora 

So you have come to see that marriage is just walk- 
ing along the road together — if the comrade is kind 
and understands a little. 

Julia 
Yes. 

Dora 
But we did not understand each other at all. So 
it's impossible between Wallace and me. 

Julia 
Other women might honestly have solved it dif- 
ferently. I'm only telling why I'm going away. 

Dora 
Too bad, Julia; for I am leaving him, too. 

Julia 
Think it over. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 195 

Dora 

I have — after what he called me. {Shuddering) 
Oh, it shames me every time I think of it. 

Julia 
You are obstinate. 

Dora 

It's what some women have in place of strength. 
{Half scornfully) Did he send you to plead with me 
to live with him again? 

Julia 
I don't believe even he would ask that. 

Dora 
Then he does understand me — a little. 

Julia 
Good-bye now. I must go while I am still as I am. 

Dora 

I called you weak. {Goes to her) Julia! Forgive 
me. I don't blame you. All we can do is what we 
see is right. 

Julia 
{Drawing back) 
No, don't kiss me, Dora. 



196 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

{Keenly) 
I ask no questions about these ten days. 

Julia 
You would not believe any answer I gave. 

Dora 
No ; for I know, if necessary, a woman would always 
lie about some matters. 

(Julia turns as Wallace Kent enters with 
a letter in hand. He is surprised at seeing 
Julia.) 

Julia 
No words, Wallace. Good-bye. I'll never regret 
unless you fail to take life by the throat. Good-bye, 
Dora. Remember me a little, Wallace, as one who 
will be ' quietly happy.' 

(Julia goes out, hastily controlling herself. 
Kent sits down with head bowed.) 

Dora 
At least your memory will be worthy. I'm sorry, 
Wallace. 

(She goes and puts her hands sympathetically 
on his shoulder. Her eye falls on the letter.) 

Kent 
My letter of resignation. It was not mailed? 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 197 

Dora 
No. I thought it might be merely an impulse. Be- 
sides it wasn't right for you to retire at this time when 
that Railroad case was 

Kent 
You thought of that? 

Dora 
Your term has only a few months more to run. 
Finish it; it will protect you from criticism in the 
future. 

Kent 
It was good of you. 

Dora 
I felt once this career was partly mine; I did not 
like to see you throw it away uselessly because two 
women touched your life. 

Kent 
I suppose the strongest men brush women aside. 

Dora 
The strongest men should when woman's emotions 
interfere. 

Kent 
This sha'n't hurt me. Work, not sentiment, is the 
normal man's life. 



198 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 
I'm so glad you see that. You'll get hold of your- 
self now. I've been the hindrance ; my dependence must 
have dragged you back. You will soon be free of me. 

Kent 
{Looking at her) 
But where will you go after ? 

Dora 
I haven't looked so far ahead. 

Kent 
You must. 

Dora 
I'm thinking first what's best for you; and after 
what you said that day, I know. 

Kent 
I was cruel. 

Dora 

{With deep conviction) 
No, you were right. It was an insult for me to 
stay merely because I feared you'd go to pieces. But I 
saw it that way at the time. 

Kent 
Dora, I understand better now. Before you leave 
I hope you'll forget what I said. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 199 

Dora 

We are both learning to understand each other at the 
end. It might have been better had there been truth 
between us. 

(Woods enters.) 

Woods 
Pardon me, Mr. Kent, but the men 



What men? 



Kent 



Dora 



The movers. Better let them begin in the other 
room, Woods. (Woods goes out) Tom thought it 
best to put everything in storage first ; it will save com- 
ment. I've given the china and glasses to Armor. 
There are some things to divide. We must go over 
them. 

Kent 

Now? 

Dora 

They are mostly upstairs. The linen and all that 
sort I have given to Woods. Your books are packed 
separately. You'll direct where to send them. 
{Takes loving-cup from piano) Woods came across 
this cup your fraternity gave us when we were married. 
{Half smiling) I don't know who owns it. 



200 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 

{Reading inscription) 

" To Wallace Kent and Dora Houston, with all 

best wishes for your happiness." — This will be the 

first time in ten years we've not drunk a toast on our 

anniversary. 

Dora 

What foolish sentiments one has at the beginning. 

Kent 
How can you talk like that? 

Dora 

Because it seems to symbolize the irony of our mar- 
riage. 

Kent 

No ; the habit and community of interests. 

{The men are heard passing off back with fur- 
niture as Kent stands looking at cup. Dora 
has crossed and speaks off.) 

Dora 

Be careful, don't scratch that table. {Turning) 
What difference does it make? {She sees him sitting 
there) Put it away, Wallace. It's over. 

Kent 
Dora, for God's sake, don't. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 20i 

Dora 

It's not easy, Wallace ; but it must be gone through 
with. 

Kent 

Must it? Dora, I couldn't get away from the 
thought of your living alone. 

Dora 
You must. 

Kent 

But it's not Tom's place to help you; it's mine, if 
you'll let me. 

Dora 

All you can do is to make it easier for me now. 

Kent 
Dora, we've only got each other. We're both alone. 

Dora 

Yes, alone. {Controlling herself) But let's look it 
in the face. It's good-bye, Wallace, good-bye. We're 
saying good-bye here in this house we've lived in for ten 
years. Don't let's look back 

Kent 

But all life is looking back, Dora. Is this necessary 
now? What do we gain by living apart? What vic- 
tory do we bring ourselves? 



202 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Dora 

We test our strength and 

Kent 

But we are two human beings, Dora. And that 
means we are both strength and weakness. 

Dora 

I'm thinking of you, Wallace. I can be of no fur- 
ther use to you. 

Kent 

But there is much you can give me. Isn't there 
something I can give you? Haven't we learned to 
understand each other through all this? Dora, we've 
been kind to each other as people go; we've got along 
somehow ; we have more than most people. Isn't there 
something sweet and noble we can still give each other ? 

Dora 
Would you want me to give everything as before? 

Kent 
Live in the same house with me — if nothing else. 

Dora 

No, Wallace. That's impossible. We are a man 
and a woman. Don't let's fool ourselves as we did each 
other. 



THE ROAD TOGETHER 203 

Kent 
I can't demand. You have the right to go and if 
you feel it is for your good, go. I'll not hinder you. 
But I wish you'd stay and go along with me — together. 

Dora 
To walk along the road together ? 

Kent 
Yes. That's what I ask. Won't you? 

Dora 
{Thoughtfully) 
And this is marriage! 

Kent 

As we have worked it out. 

Dora 
I thought it could have been something greater! 

Kent 
So did I ; but it lay only in what we were. 

Dora 
Yes, that's it; and what we are. {With a look of 
hope) And what we can still make it. Wallace, I do 
feel helpless by myself; I am afraid of the loneliness. 
My heart goes out to you because of what we've had. 
My heart perhaps is waiting for yours 



20 4 THE ROAD TOGETHER 

Kent 



You will stay? 

Yes, if 

If? 



Dora 
Kent 



Dora 

If you just let me cry. I want so to cry. 

(She bows her head. He puts his hand upon 
her, as she sobs quietly. He soothes her ten- 
derly. The bright sunlight floods the dis- 
mantled room.) 

Curtain 



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the lessons she would convey at tongue's end and in orderly 
brain arrangement. . . . She teaches so lucidly and with per- 
sonal fascination. . . ." 

Providence Journal: ". . . ought to do real good. The au- 
thor not only has practical experience, she has a genuine artistic 
as well as common sense. . . . One may conscientiously recom- 
mend it as fulfilling its purpose admirably." 

Archibald Henderson's THE CHANGING DRAMA 

By the author of George Bernard Shaw: His Life and Works, 
European Dramatists, etc. 321 pp. i2mo. $1.50 net. 

It includes: Drama in the New Age; The New Criti- 
cism and New Ethics; Science and the New Drama; 
Realism and the Pulpit Stage; Naturalism and the Free 
Theatre; The Battle with Illusions; The Ancient Bond- 
age and the New Freedom ; The New Technic ; The Play 
and the Reader; The Newer Tendencies, etc. * * * 
Descriptive circular with sample pages on application. 

New York Tribune: ". . . Deserves the serious attention of 
all students of the modern drama. . . . The first adequate sur- 
vey of that drama's linked conscious effort, the world over, to 
hold up the mirror to our new consciousness of individual free- 
dom and of collective social responsibility for justice and evil 
. . . not only the first book in its field; in the completeness of 
its scope, the scholarly, well-balanced thoroughness of the treat- 
ment of its material, it is likely to remain the standard work as 
well for some time to come . . . one of the small number of 
books on the modern drama which the serious student cannot 
afford to leave unread." 

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK 



BY BARRETT H. CLARK 

THE CONTINENTAL DRAMA OF TO-DAY 

Outlines for Its Study 
Suggestions, questions, biographies, and bibliographies 
with outlines, of half a dozen pages or less each, of the 
more important plays of twenty-four Continental dram- 
atists. While intended to be used in connection with a 
reading of the plays themselves, the book has an inde- 
pendent interest. i2mo. $1.50 net. 

Prof. William Lyon Phelps, of Yale: ". . . One of the most 
useful works on the contemporary drama. . . . Extremely prac- 
tical, full of valuable hints and suggestions. . . ." 

BRITISH fcf AMERICAN DRAMA OF TO-DAY 

Outlines for Its Study 
Suggestions, biographies and bibliographies, together 
with historical sketches, for use in connection with the 
important plays of Pinero, Jones, Wilde, Shaw, Barker, 
Hankin, Chambers, Davies, Galsworthy, Masefield, 
Houghton, Bennett, Phillips, Barrie, Yeats, Boyle, Baker, 
Sowerby, Francis, Lady Gregory, Synge, Murray, Ervine, 
Howard, Heme, Thomas, Gillette, Fitch, Moody, 
Mackaye, Sheldon, Kenyon, Walters, Cohan, etc. l2mo. 
$1.30 net. 

THREE MODERN PLAYS FROM THE FRENCH 

Lemaitre's The Pardon and Lavedan's Prince D'Aurec, 
translated by Barrett H. Clark, with Donnay's The 
Other Danger, translated by Charlotte Tenney David, 
with an Introduction to each author by Barrett H. Clark 
and a Preface by Clayton Hamilton. One volume. 
l2mo. $1.50 net. 

Springfield Republican: "'The Prince d'Aurec' is one of his 
best and most representative plays. It is a fine character crea- 
tion. . . . 'The Pardon' must draw admiration for its remark- 
able technical efficiency. . . . 'The Other Danger' is a work 
of remarkable craftsmanship." 

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK 



SIXTH EDITION, ENLARGED AND WITH PORTRAITS 

HALE'S DRAMATISTS OF TO-DAY 

Rostand, Hauptmann, Sudermann, 
Pinero, Shaw, Phillips, Maeterlinck 

By Prof. Edward Everett Hale, Jr., of Union College. 
With gilt top, $1.50 net; by mail, $1.60. 

Since this work first appeared in 1905, Maeterlinck's Sister 
Beatrice, The Blue Bird and Mary Magdalene, Rostand's 
Chantecler and Pinero's Mid-Channel and The Thunder- 
bolt — among the notable plays by some of Dr. Hale's drama- 
tists — have been acted here. Discussions of them are added 
to this new edition, as are considerations of Bernard Shaw's 
and Stephen Phillips' latest plays. The author's papers on 
Hauptmann and Sudermann, with slight additions, with his 
"Note on Standards of Criticism," "Our Idea of Tragedy," 
and an appendix of all the plays of each author, with dates of 
their first performance or publication, complete the volume. 

Bookman: "He writes in a pleasant, free-and-easy way. . . . He 
accepts things chiefly at their face value, but he describes them so ac- 
curately and agreeably that he recalls vividly to mind the plays we 
have seen and the pleasure we have found in them." 

New York Evening Post : "It is not often nowadays that a theatrical 
b ok can be met witn so free from gush and mere eulogy, or so weighted 
by common sense ... an excellent chronological appendix and full 
index . . . uncommonly useful for reference." 

Dial: " Noteworthy example of literary criticism in one of the most 
interesting of literary fields. . . . Provides a varied menu of the 
most interesting character. . . . Prof. Hale establishes confidential 
relations with the reader from the start. . . . Very definite opinions, 
clearly reasoned and amply fortified by example. . . . Well worth 
reading a second time." 

New York Tribune: "Both instructive and entertaining." 

Brooklyn Eagle: "A dramatic critic who is not just 'busting' him- 
self with Titanic intellectualities, but who is a readable dramatic critic. 
. . . Mr. Hale is a modest and sensible, as well as an acute and sound 
critic. . . . Most people will be siirprised and delighted with Mr. 
Hale's simplicity, perspicuity and ingenuousness." 

The Theatre: "A pleasing lightness of touch. . . . Very read- 
able book." 



HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK 



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